Children

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I saw a massive lion
While on a walk today
With honey-brown eyes
Wind ruffled mane
And a tail of twitching sway

I stayed real quiet
While I watched her
With velvet paws
And hidden claws
Breeze dancing in her fur

Watching the movement of a lemon leaf
She sneakily drew back her paw
As she let it fly
The branch fell from sky
My mouth opened wide in awe

She yawned and opened her mouth
Her whiskers leaned way back
She bellowed a roar
Got up on all four
Then started to sniff a track

Now her tawny ears
Stood up on end
Her black nose quivered
(I stood there and shivered)
Did she track foe or friend?

Not too far ahead
I saw a fuzzy black lamb
Sleeping in the sun
Quite oblivious to everyone
So quiet was the sharp clawed Ma'am

Old tawny caught the smell
She crouched, slouched and slinked
Black curly awoke
I was about to choke
And the lion laid down and blinked

I couldn't believe my eyes
I saw coming over the rock
A shepherd gentleman
(It was the great I AM)
Leading the rest of the flock

And then the eternal shepherd
Strode purposefully to me
"If lion will lay down with lamb
Don't you see I am the great I AM
And can permanently set you free?"

Lambs and lions vanished
I didn't want to look
He reached out His nail-scarred hand
To me, just an man
Handing me an ancient book

"Ah, Mr. Shepherd,
I won't understand that book
I'm a plain and simple man
(backing off whenever I can)
So do I have to take a look?"

I hemmed and hawed and stood on one foot
And He gave me a slow, sad smile
"You make the choice,
Summon up your voice"
"Ah, I think I'll wait for awhile..."

I backed way off
And crawled into my shell
It grew suddenly cold
I felt ancient-old
Maybe this is a kind of hell?

I couldn't even stretch
My shell so tight
I couldn't move my arm
Anyhow, I was safe from harm
Why now should I think of light?

It's so moldy black
When the Shepherd's not here
I'm incredibly sad
Was it always this bad
What's that? A small, tiny tear?

Oh ancient book
Where were you bound
I won't ask you what you say
I don't want to make a commitment today
And I am not sure I want to be found

My shell's smashing me
Not a good place to hide
It's closing in on my head
I can't even lay in my bed
No this is NOT a place to abide

Oh, Mr. Shepherd
Where are You now?
This place is do drear
Please come back here
Forgive me and show me how?

The smell in here is terrible
I wonder if it is me?
Don't make me wait
Hope I'm not too late
Please Jesus, come and set me free?

I heard soft footsteps
Far Away
Long ago Jesus died
For me, crucified
And I put Him off today

Jesus, oh Jesus,
Come rescue me
I am dying
In this grave I'm lying
Please don't "let me be"

My shell He tore open
The ransom paid
I stepped out
Looked all about
To rejoice in the commitment I'd made

With Him outside
The air was fresh and sweet
I crawled out of this shell
This horrible hell
Death without hope, terrible retreat

He was there!
Brighter than golden morning sun
Arms open wide
Showing His wounded side
And I knew He really was THE ONE!!!

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