by Carrie MacDonald
I don't know who wrote this, but I found it on the internet while trying to make sense of the loss of my horse. When I went back to find who wrote it, It was gone. I couldn't find it again. Whoever wrote it, I thank you with all my heart. It reads as follows:
I'll lend you for a little while
my grandest foal, HE said
for you to love while he's alive
and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be one or twenty years
or days or months you see,
but will you, till I take him back,
take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and should his stay be brief
you'll have treasured memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay
since all from Earth return
but there are lessons here on Earth
I want this foal to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
in search of teachers true
and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
with trust, I have selected you.
Now will you give him your total love?
Nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come
to take him back again?
I know you'll give him tenderness
and love will bloom each day
and for the happiness you've known
forever grateful stay.
But should I come and call for him
much sooner than you'd planned
you'll brave the bitter grief that comes
and someday you'll understand.