In loving memory of Keith Brown

I am submitting a poem I have carried with me since Keith was killed in Korea, July 19, 1987, while in the United States Army. It is my hope that it will serve as a comfort to other mothers.

To All Parents

I'll lend you, for a little while a child of mine,"He said."
For you to love while 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, as all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lane, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, not 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, they will be done.
For all the joy this child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shower him with tenderness and love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay,
And should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief and try to understand.