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!