A Poem for the Day

"Obedience" 

by George MacDonald

I said, "Let me walk in the fields." 

He said, "No, walk in the town." 

I said, "There are no flowers there." 

He said, "No flowers, but a crown." 

I said, "But the skies are black;

There is nothing but noise and din." 

And He wept as He sent me back;

"There is more," He said; "there is sin." 

I said, "But the air is thick, 

And fogs are veiling the sun." 

He answered, "Yet souls 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 to-night

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." 

I cast one look at the fields, 

Then set my face to the town; 

He said, "My child, do you yield?

Will you leave the flowers for the crown?" 

Then into His hand went mine,

And into my heart came He;

And I walk in a light divine

That path I had feared to see.