In Gedanken

I will lend to you
for a while a kitten, God said.

For you to love while he lives,

And mourn when he is dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,

Or maybe two or three.

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care for him for me?

He'll bring his charms
 to gladden you

And should his stay be brief,

You'll always have his memories

As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught below

This kitten is to learn.

I've looked the whole world over

In search of teachers true,

And from all the folk
 that crowds life's land

I have chosen you.

I cannot promise he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught below

This kitten is to learn.

I've looked the whole world over

In search of teachers true,

And from all the folk
 that crowds life's land

I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain?

Nor hate me when I come to take

My kitten home again?
 

And my heart replied,

"My Lord, that will be done."

For all the joys this kitten brings,

The risk of grief I'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 you call him back

Much sooner than we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,

And try to understand.
 

And my heart replied,

"My Lord, that will be done."

For all the joys this kitten brings,

The risk of grief I'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 you call him back

Much sooner than we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,

And try to understand.
 

If by our love we've managed
Your wishes to achieve,

In memory of his sweet love,

Please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished kitten departs

this world of stress and strife,

Please send yet another needing soul

To love for all her life.