Obedience

Obedience

by George MacDonald

I said, "Let me walk in the fields";

He said, "Nay, walk in the town";

I said, "There are no flowers there";

He said, "No flowers, but a crown."

I said, "But the sky is black,

There is nothing but noise and din."

"There is more," He said,

"There is sin."

I said, "But the air is thick,

And fogs are veiling the sun."

He answered, "Yet hearts are sick

And souls in the dark undone."

I said, "I shall miss the light,

And friends will miss me, they say."

He answered, "Choose tonight

If I am to miss you, or they."

I pleaded for time to be given;

He said, "Is it hard to decide?

It will not seem hard in heaven

To have followed the steps of your Guide."