Classic Poem

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 tonight
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,
The path I had feared to see.