In a field of green grass, nested trees, and flowing rivers,
I stood with many people, some I knew, some were strangers.
Before us lay two paths, one easy, alive, and free.
The other dark, haunted, and ominous.
There stood a Man, of glory, honor, and light.
He told all, “Before you are two paths, it is your choice
Which to take, but once began I cannot lend hand
Until you meet me at the other side.
Down one path is comfort, joy, and acceptance,
The other holds danger, adventure, and strength.
Choose wisely my lambs for there are wolves about,
And as your Shepard I can only herd those who pass this test.”
Being the Youth that I was I chose. Not the path of light
Rather the path of hardships and scorn.
Not because I was foolhardy for adventure,
Instead I was intent on proving myself worthy.
Hounds harassed Us at every turn, and even the foliage
Seemed against us. I prevailed, keeping my eyes on my goal,
Ignoring the calls of the birds as they taunted, and cursed
As the path got denser, it’s footing becoming unsure, some fell
I tried to help who I could, but some were beyond my meager skills
Some I lent a shoulder to lean on until they found their strength
Others I Berated into action calling to them “I am no better than
You, you can do the same if you but try”
The Rest I merely offered them a hand when they needed it most.
We were all sore, and weary when we reached the other side,
And we were all stronger in our hearts and minds.
Some got a mere three steps across before failing, falling, sleeping
Not I, I stood Proud, ready for more. And there he stood.
Not a day older, not a mark, nor a stain, and still flowing Light.,
He laughed at me, smiling like a father and said, “You who would
Not quit, who took the lead and forced the others to finish with you.
You are truly one of my Teachers. For you not only took the way of
Darkness, you brought the light of the healer unto it.
Go Forth, and Herd your own Flock.”
“But Sir” said I “Who am I to herd a Flock, when I Lost so many
on the Way. I am a poor choice.” He stood insistent, and put his
arm upon my shoulder.
“You are as fine choice as Any, they are not lost, Like you
they will find their way eventually. That is why you are
a good choice. Because you had the strength of Faith to let
them go. The strength of heart to help the others, and the
Strength of Mind to challenge me.” And so he handed me
A Staff and said, “Now Go, and work my Wonders.”
As I turned and looked upon those who would follow me
as the lay gasping, smiling, laughing, I turned my eyes upon
the hell that we had passed through and saw it was now easy,
free, alive. The Sun chased away the Haunts, the birds and
critters returned. I felt Joy in my heart, and Jesus in my soul
© Bass Switala
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Submission Name: path or pain 
You done a wonderful job here and I like your acceptance of all, and your spiritual blend