A Bud in Heaven

A bud in Heaven

A bud, the gardener gave me
A fair and lovely child
He gave it to my keeping
To cherish undefiled.

It lay upon my breast
It was my hope and pride
Perhaps it was an idol
Which I must be denied.

For just as it was opening
To the glory of the day
Came down the heavenly gardener
And took my bud away.

Yet not in wrath He took her
A smile was on her face
As tenderly and kindly
He took her from her place.

“Fear not”, I thought he whispered
“Thy bud shall be restored
I take it but to plant it
In the garden of the Lord”.

He bade me not to sorrow
As those who helpless weep
For He who gave, has taken
And He who took, can keep.

So night and morn together
By the open gate of prayer
I go unto my darling
And sit beside her there.
Author unknown