Obituary of Peanut Jaycox

Lend Me A Kitten

I will lend to you for a while a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he’s dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, ’till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She’ll bring her charms to gladden you and, should her stay be brief
you’ll always have her memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life’s land I have chosen you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?

My heart replied, “My Lord, Thy Will Be Done”
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief I’ll run.
We’ll shelter her with tenderness; we’ll love her while we may.
And for the happiness we’ve known, forever-grateful stay.
But should you call her back much sooner than we planned.
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we’ve managed your wishes to achieve.
Then in memory of her, who we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all her life.

– Unknown