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When the Last Child Leaves

The last one cleaned his bedroom out;

He left today at five.

There was not much to talk about;

His car backed down the drive.

This is the first night they all slept

Behind some other door.

This is the first night these rooms keep

Our children safe no more.

They never were our own to hold;

We had them for that time

When they could not yet handle cold

And needed help to climb.

You loved them, Lord, before the day

They came into our sight.

You love them more than words can say –

Please love them well tonight. - Robert Stanley