by Monique
"I will lend to you for a while, A Basset Hound Pup," God said,
"for you to love him while he lives and mourn him when he's dead."
"Maybe for eight or ten years, or only 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 should his stay be brief,
You'll always have his bright memories as a solace for your grief."
"I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.....
But there are lessons taught below that I want this Pup to learn."
"I've looked the whole world over, in search of teachers true,
and from the folks that crowd life's land, I have chosen you."
"Now, will you give him all your love. Nor think the labors vain.
Nor hate me when I come to take my Basset Hound Pup back again?"
I fancied that I heard him say "Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup 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 you call him back, much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love, we have managed, your wishes to achieve.....
In memory of him that we loved, and to help us while we grieve:
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We will get yet another Basset Hound Pup and love him all his life!
Amen to that beautiful poem!!