I will lend you for a while a kitten, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for 12 or 14 years, or maybe 2 or 3.
But will you, 'til 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 kitten to learn.

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

I fancies that I heard them say
'Dear Lord Thy will be done.'
For all the joys this kitten brings
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 planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try hard to understand.
If, by our love we managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him we've 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 his life.

author unknown

I hope this helps all of us that miss our kittens and cats. Whether they have lives with us for 20 years or 2 days. We will always love them and never forget them! Sandra/Raven's Mother