I will lend to you for a while,

A Cavalier, God said,

For you to love him while he lives and 

mourn for him when he’s dead.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe 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 always 

have his memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return. 

But there are lessons taught below  I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true 

And from the folk that crowd's life's land I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love Nor think the labour vain, 

Nor hate me when I come to take my

Cavalier  back again.

I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will 

be Done,"  For all the joys this Cavalier will 

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 you call him back much sooner than we've planned, 

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.

If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve

In memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve, 

When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,

We'll have yet another Cavalier and love him 

all his life.

Author Unknown

Stood by Your Bed Last Night

I stood by your last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me"
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, " I never went away"
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over...I smile and watch you yawning
and say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning"
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.

Author unknown