MY BURDEN
by Amos Russel Wells
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 aud 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!
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