One day when God felt generous,
He looked down at me and smiled,
"Since I feel so magnanimous,
I'd like to give you something, child."
He asked me what I wanted,
I said, "Oh, really nothing more,
You've done so much already."
He said, "That's what God is for."
"You have been pretty good," He said,
I know there's not much that you seek,
I will pick a little something,
Just to make your life complete."
With great anticipation,
I looked forward to my gift,
I wondered what God had in mind,
That would give me such a lift.
"This gift," God said, "You realize,
Bears some responsibility,
So, if you accept my present,
You must be willing to agree...
"To offer unconditionally,
A section or a part,
Of more than half of you,
The larger portion of your heart."
"Okay, God," I answered,
"Since in You, I always trust,
I'll meet your obligation,
In the manner that I must."
To myself, I thought, wow, what a gift,
For so much of me, God's asked,
Now what could be so valuable,
That my share was more than half?
With both hands I sought my gift,
I still did not have a clue,
Then God put your paws in my hands,
And said His gift to me was YOU,
My DOG !
Father of all shepherds,
I ask naught of you for me,
but I grow old and frail,
a faithful collie at my knee.
He never did a wrong thing,
He obeyed my every call,
He tended flocks and guarded,
Just we three, shepherds all.
Surely, in your mercy,
You can find it in your heart,
To send one who'll care for him,
After this life I depart?
* * * *
Father of all shepherds,
My master lies within,
By his crypt I'll hold vigil,
On his coffin I'll rest my chin.
His shepherd's plaid cast over,
His soul with you resides,
For many years I protected him,
But I could not stem Death's tide.
Please care for him, I beg you,
He was a good man who loved me well,
Until I cross those heavenly meadows,
And with him for eternity dwell.
-- Jim Willis
<jwillis@bellatlantic.net>