A Child of Mine

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.

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.

About This Poem

A Child of Mine by Edgar Albert Guest is a well-known poem about the loss of a child. Written as words from God, it speaks of a child being entrusted to their parents for a time, then called back. For some families, this can bring comfort by expressing love, gratitude and faith alongside grief.

It may be especially suitable for the funeral of a baby, child or young person, particularly in a religious service or for those who find strength in Christian beliefs. The poem is deeply emotional and may be best read during a quiet moment of reflection or as part of a personal tribute.

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