The Hireling

THE HIRELING

The shepherd got sick 

Unable to tend the sheep 

No fresh water to drink 

Fainting for thirst 

No green grass to eat 

Starving to death 

No shadow to rest 

One by one started to drift 

Desperate for care 

Decided to leave 

Went to the forest 

Lost and afraid 

Met the lioness 

"Come to me and rest" 

Tired and exhausted 

This must be perfect  

Comforted and refreshed 

Not a day without being fed 

No more hunger and thirst 

Everyday seemed so sweet 

"Just relax and take it easy!" 

The queen of the jungle said 

Forget about your misery 

Let go of the past and join me

Everything was fine 

But it wasn't all the time 

As the lioness began to speak 

A whisper within was heard 

It's the voice of the shepherd 

The lessons he taught 

Things that matter most 

Oh, the cry of the lost!  

The thought of being found

It's the other way around 

"No, it's not where you belong!" 

The voice was so strong 

Lost, lost, it's about the lost! 

Shouldn't find yourself relaxing 

You shouldn't be chilling 

While others are drowning 

The message you hear 

The difference is clear 

Stop staying at the hideout 

It's time to reach out 

Let go of the noise 

Listen to that old voice 

Not the hireling's command 

For the time is at hand