God laid upon my back a grievous load, A heavy cross to bear along the road. I staggered on, and lo! one weary day, An angry lion sprang across my way. I prayed to God, and swift at His command The cross became a weapon in my hand. It slew my raging enemy, and then Became a cross upon my back again. I faltered many a league, until at length, Groaning, I fell, and had no further strength. "O God," I cried, "I am so weak and lame!" Then straight my cross a winged staff became. It swept me on till I regained the loss, Then leaped upon my back, again a cross. I reached a desert. O'er the burning track I persevered, the cross upon my back. No shade was there, and in the cruel sun I sank at last, and thought my days were done. But lo! the Lord works many a blest surprise -- The cross became a tree before my eyes! I slept; I woke, to feel the strength of ten. I found the cross upon my back again. And thus through all my days, from that to this, The cross, my burden, has become my bliss; Nor ever shall I lay the burden down, For God some day will make the cross a crown! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DAYBREAK by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS RENASCENCE by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY TO SCIENCE; SONNET by EDGAR ALLAN POE A DOUBTING HEART by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER ROCK OF AGES' by EDWARD H. RICE VALENTINES TO MY MOTHER: 1877 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |