Finding Comfort in Grief: Simerjeet Singh Reads Edgar Albert Guest's Poem 'A Child of Mine'

21-03-2023 • 3 mins

Welcome to the latest edition of the Poetry That Inspires Series with Simerjeet Singh. In this episode, Simerjeet reads Edgar Albert Guest's poignant poem, "A Child of Mine," which speaks to the heartache and deep sorrow of losing a child.

Edgar Albert Guest was a prolific writer and poet whose work was widely read and celebrated throughout the first half of the 20th century. Known as "the poet of the people," Guest wrote more than 11,000 poems, and his work has touched the lives of countless readers over the years.

In "A Child of Mine," Guest draws upon his own experience of losing two of his children to offer comfort to others who may be experiencing the same pain. The poem reminds us of the beauty and gift of the few years we have with our children, and how even in loss, we can cherish those memories as a lasting legacy.

Simerjeet's reading of "A Child of Mine" aims to bring healing and solace to anyone who has lost a child. Through his heartfelt and empathetic delivery, Simerjeet invites us to reflect on the powerful message of this timeless poem and to find strength in its words.

A Child of Mine
I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, Or twenty-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 have his lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since 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 search for teachers true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall 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 the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.I will lend you, for a little time,

I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-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 have his lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since 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 search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall 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 the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.