In Memory of my Brother "Marvin Franklin Hopper"

My brother who died at the young age of 26.

I read this poem and remember.
That we are all on loan from God. 
Those of us left behind, our lives 
are much  richer for having
been bless with knowing the ones
God shared with us for a little while.

I'll lend To You

I'll lend you for a little time,
     A child of mine he said.
For you to love there as he lives,
     And mourn when he is dead.

It may be six or seven years,
     Or twenty 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 shall 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 searched the wide world over,
     In my 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 labor vain.
Nor hate me when I come to call,
     To take him back again?
 

I fancied that I heard them say,
     Dear Lord, thy will be done.
For all the joy 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,
     Will ever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for him,
     Much sooner than we planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
.....And try to understand.

Contributed by 
Perry L. "Willie" Williams

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