You walked alone, the cross’s narrow way

You walked alone

the cross’s narrow way;

Gethsemane—there we went our ways.

The Shepherd

lone

sheepless

staggers on

In dark and cold

embers nearly gone.

Though men’s hands seized forcibly

Men spat

cursed

despising Thee

Your face was set firm as flint—and yet

Why could I not Your name confess?

Why walk alone the cross’s narrow way?

Your words of grace

men with curse repay.

Instead of sighs

mockery they make;

Why did Your God His dear Son forsake?

Falling tears I cannot stay;

You turned

sadly looked my way.

Although I said I would die with You

How faithless is my love for You!

Alone

You took the cross’s narrow way;

On Calv’ry’s mount

bore my sins away.

By piercéd hands

am I yet constrained?

By wounded side’s strong embrace contained?

That first love

I can’t forget;

But that foll’wing heart

I left.

In love

You gave up Your life for Me;

What have I given up for Thee?

With You I take the cross’s narrow way

The world forsake

soul-life in the grave.

“Do you love Me?” “Yes

Lord

I love You!”

Nothing I heed

but Your footsteps true.

Go away

all earthly bribes!

Away

blessings false besides!

That long-ago cross’s narrow way

Your lovers all should walk today.