This is a poem I (Joanne) first saw when Celia was in the hospital neo natal unit in Edmonton, Alberta because so many preemie babies didn't make it. We had it read at her memorial service.
I’ll lend to you for a little time
A child of mine, He said
For you to love the while he lives
kid mourn for when he’s dead
He may be six or seven years
or twenty—two or three
But will you, till I call for him
Take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
and should his stay be brief
You’ll have his lovely memories
as solace for your grief
I cannot promise he will stay
since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn
I’ve looked this wide world over
in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes
I have selected you
Now will you give him all your love
Now think the labor vain
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say
“Dear Lord, Thy will be done”
For all the joys the child will bring
The risk of grief we’ll run
We’ll shelter him with tenderness
We’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known
Forever grateful stay
But should the angels call for him
Much sooner than we planned
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.