There are in Paradise <br />Souls neither great nor wise, <br />Yet souls who wear no less <br />The crown of faithfulness. <br /> <br />My master bade me watch the flock by night; <br />My duty was to stay. I do not know <br />What thing my comrades saw in that great light, <br />I did not heed the words that bade them go, <br />I know not were they maddened or afraid; <br />I only know I stayed. <br /> <br />The hillside seemed on fire; I felt the sweep <br />Of wings above my head; I ran to see <br />If any danger threatened these my sheep. <br />What though I found them folded quietly, <br />What though my brother wept and plucked my sleeve, <br />They not mine to leave. <br /> <br />Thieves in the wood and wolves upon the hill, <br />My duty was to stay. Strange though it be, <br />I had no thought to hold my mates, no will <br />To bid them wait and keep the watch with me. <br />I had not heard that summons they obeyed; <br />I only know I stayed. <br /> <br />Perchance they will return upon the dawn <br />With word of Bethlehem and why they went. <br />I only know that watching here alone, <br />I know a strange content. <br />I have not failed that trust upon me laid; <br />I ask no more - I stayed.<br /><br />Theodosia Garrison<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-shepherd-who-stayed/
