It may be six or seven years Or twenty-two or three,
But will you, til I call him back
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his precious memories
As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay
Since all from earth returns,
But there will be lessons down there
I want this child to learn.

I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throng that crowds life's lanes
I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?

I fancied that I heard you say:
"Dear Lord, thy will be done."
For all the joy thy child shall 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 we'll stay.