Sorrowful Similes

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee" (Psalm 32:8,9).

Let us not be as the horse,
Neither be found as the mule,
Which either is held back by force,
Or stubborn to go, as a rule.

This is God's reprimanding
To us illustrated in these
Which have no understanding;
What sorrowful similes!

For why should there be a need
For God to thus force His will?
Or why should He have to plead,
And find us so stubborn still?

Let us take heed to His voice
Preparing our hearts to obey;
Not led by force, but by choice,
Attentive to what He will say.