Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

The old ox abided in the field,
Enjoying the richness of his Master’s yield.
In came a young ox from he know not where,
To live, to work, to breath the Master’s air.

Said the young ox to the old,
With an attitude so bold,
"I saw you many a burden bear
With great drops of sweat in your hair.

"And I thought, I’ll not bear such a load,
Before I’ll do that, I’ll hit the road."
Said the old ox, "Oh, its not so bad,
You’ll have it so good it will make you glad!

"You are off every Sunday and when it rains or snows,
In this barn the good farmer stows
All that any ox could possible eat;
Oh, it’s a deal that can’t be beat!

"And besides, there’s a slaughter house down the road,
That would be glad to relieve you of your heavy load."

The young ox said, "I think I get the message plain,
I’d rather not give myself to slaughter house pain.
But I’m not as strong as you,
The burden you bear I cannot do."

The old ox said, "Don’t be moved by what you see,
Just lean very hard on me.
I’ll bear your burdens of the day;
I’ll walk with you every step of the way."

Gene Griffin