The Good Shepherd

There is comfort in the arms of the Good Shepherd, His rod secures me like covering wings, but I'm not compelled to stay there, for the gift of choice gives me the strings, As lovingly He guides me through the pastures, my eyes glance here and there, I'll just slip away a little there's no danger here,  I'll tarry a little while yet, what harm can that do, while all the time hidden dangers lurks just beyond my view, further and further I wander from the Shepherds caring arms, deceptive beauty entreats me, so hard to resist its charms, further and further I drift, imperceptively slow the slip, too late I realize my peril, no strength to break the grip, the squeeze gets tighter and tighter, sweet breath is almost gone, how did I let this happen, why failed I to be warned, casting up a hand in desperation to see what it may find, a familiar hand reached downward and grasp the trembling mine, ah, back in the safety of my Shepherd's arms, why did I ever leave, you'd think I'd learn my lesson and to my Shepherd ever cleve. yet time and again I wander from my Shepherd's loving care, and time and again He rescues, and never does forbear, each time the rescue gets harder,  sin's alluring grip more tight, the cry for help gets weaker, lesser and lesser the fight, Oh help me learn the danger which comes with every slide, and stay always with my Shepherd, never leave His loving side, take only my Shepherd's feeding, stay far from forbidden treat, Oh my soul, thou foolish sheep! tie thee fast to thy Shepherd's feet.