~~~ I’LL LEND YOU FOR A LITTLE WHILE ~~~

I'll lend you for a little while

My grandest foal, He said.

For you to love while she's alive

And mourn for when she's dead.

It may be one or twenty years,

Or days or months, you see.

But will you, till I take her back

Take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you,

And should her stay be brief

You'll have treasured memories

As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,

Since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught on earth

I want this foal to learn.

I've looked the wide world over

In my search for teachers true.

And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes

With trust, I have selected you.

Now will you give her your total love?

Nor think the labour vain,

Nor hate me when I come

To take her back again?

I know you'll give her tenderness

And love will bloom each day

And for the happiness you've known

Forever grateful stay.

But should I come and call for her

Much sooner than you'd planned

You'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And … someday … you'll understand.

Dedicated to Sahara, who reminds me to dance!

And to Bast who taught me about body language by seeing love in squinty eyes!

To Phoebe

Although we met briefly, you touched my soul deeply, and will live forever in my heart.  I am so sorry mankind let you down over and over again.  May your memory help keep others from the same fate.  I hope you have found peace and feedom at last.

To Jody

Sight unseen you touched our lives, even if only for a short time.  RIP baby girl.

To Sam

A special donkey boy that grabbed our hearts.  He was such a brave soul, sweet and determined.  Caitlin brought him back from the brink and gave him everything, and he passed knowing that he was loved.  Run free now Sam!  We love you always!