Poems from My Grandparents

When my grandparents had a young family they also lost a child.  This child was a 5 year old son named Billy.  Through these events I've thought a lot about them and whenever I've talked to them on the phone it has been a help as they have shared their experiences with us as well.  One of the things that they shared with us were some poems that they found that helped inspire them.  It has an extra special meaning to me because me Granddad has always quoted poetry for us.  The favorite was always "The Cremation of Sam McGee."  I'm going to go ahead and post these poems, but will be changing a few words in the poems because they are talking about a boy and we lost our little girl.  I hope you enjoy them.  The first two actually go together.

MY PRAYER

Oh Father, help me to understand the reason why

That girl that thou didst give me, so early had to die;

Why one whose life had been so pure; who never knew deceit,

Should droop and wither like a flower, crushed under ruthless feet.

Oh Father, help me understand, Thy purpose Divine

In letting death, with ruthless hands, tear her dear heart from mine.

Oh let me see the veil beyond, where dwells her spirit pure, 

And know she's happy where she's gone; Oh let me feel secure.

Forgive the surging doubts that rise - within my aching heart,

And take the dimness from mine eyes; let darkness all depart.

Let light and knowledge come to me, from Heaven, Thy home on high, 

Oh let me put my trust in Thee, Oh Father, tell me why.

Perhaps I sin in asking this, More faith to show in thee;

But, Oh, I miss her loving kiss, She was so dear to me.

Just let me know that I sometime shall find her once again

And clasp again her for to mine; I ask in Jesus name.

OUR ANSWER

Grieve not my Son, for time shall be, when death shall be no more.

Thy loved one I'll return to thee, to cherish evermore.

Twas the plan that man shall die, and slumber in the grave, 

But rise again, even as I; for this My Life I gave.

For Mortal Life is but a part of God's Eternity,

In which the souls of men embark, to find felicity.

What men call death is just a step from low to higher planes,

And all who in the dust have slept, through Me shall live again.

Then grieve not for the one that's gone, nor let your heart despair, 

For God in wisdom called your girl, to work for Him up there;

The prison gates to open wide, for those who died in sin,

And through repentance them to guide again to worship Him.

Let this then be your answer why, and let your heart rejoice,

For unto God they do not die, who answer to His voice.

But walk with Him in realms of love, where all the righteous be.

Be comforted - for here above, thy Girl will welcome thee.

I don't know what the title of these poems are.

"I'll lend you for a little time

A child of mine," He said,

"For you to love the while she lives,

And mourn for when she's dead.

It may be four to seven years,

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you, till I call her back,

Take care of Her for Me?"

"She'll bring her arms to gladden you

And should her stay be brief,

You'll have her lovely memories

As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn."

"I've searched this 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 her all your love,

Nor think your labor vain, 

Nor hate me when I come to call

To take her 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 her with tenderness,

We'll love her while we may

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay."

"But should the angels call for her, 

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,

And try to understand."

I hope y'all enjoy these poems like we did.  Give us feedback on what stands out to from them for you.  Thanks Grandma and Granddad.