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Child Of Mine

This Page Includes: Full Verses of the Poem in Text. A Recording of the Poem (Audio). A Free PDF Download for reading purposes. Free Editable Google Doc Download if you wish to make changes or to personalise the poem. The page also includes what the poem is about, structure of poem and explaining the best parts.

Child Of Mine Poem Verses

I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till 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 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 the wide world over,
In 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,
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys 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 stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.

Audio Recording

Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'Child Of Mine' can be tailored/personalised

Download Poem

Please note the audio recording may not exactly match the text version as 'Child Of Mine' can be tailored/personalised

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Personalised Poem

Would you like to customise this poem? You have the option to personalise it by accessing the provided link, which will direct you to Google Docs. From there, you can download the poem ‘Memories’ to your personal Google Docs account or Microsoft Word where you will be able to edit the poem however you want.

Personalised Poem

About the poem

This poem is a prayer from a parent to God, asking Him to bless their child with love and care while they are alive and to provide comfort in the event of their death. The poem expresses the bittersweet nature of parenting - the joy of watching a child grow and thrive, but also the sadness of knowing that they will one day leave.

This poem could be used for a funeral as a reminder to cherish the memories of the loved one who has passed away and to find solace in the happy moments that were shared. It could be personalized for a funeral by replacing the pronouns to refer to the departed loved one, such as "I will lend you, for a little time, my dear [Name], He said." The poem could also be adapted to reflect the particular circumstances and relationships of the deceased and their family, and to express their unique love and connection.

The Structure of Poem

The poem consists of six stanzas of rhyming couplets, with a regular rhythm and meter. Each stanza presents a conversation between a parent and someone who is asked to take care of their child for a period of time, knowing that the child will eventually have to return to the parent. The poem explores the theme of love, loss, and the bittersweet nature of life. It emphasizes the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones, even if it is limited, and the willingness to accept the pain of loss as a natural part of life.

Best Quote from Child Of Mine Poem

This is a quote from the poem Child Of Mine by Edgar Albert Guest

"I will lend you, for a little time, A child of mine, He said. For you to love the while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead."

This quote speaks to the deep bond between a parent and child, and the bittersweet nature of this relationship. It reminds us that our time with our loved ones is precious and fleeting, and that we should cherish every moment we have with them. It acknowledges the pain of loss and grief, but also the comfort of memories and the enduring love that remains. This quote can provide solace to those who have lost a child or loved one, and remind them of the importance of treasuring the time they had together.