Dear Reader,

This poem was born in the tension every sincere follower of Christ eventually feels — the sense of moving against the current of the age. The world flows one direction; the cross pulls us another. There is real friction, real cost, and sometimes real loneliness in that obedience.

Yet in the very place of conflict, Jesus offers something the world cannot give: a deep, abiding peace that does not depend on circumstances. I wanted to paint this reality with living images — the glittering crowd, the backward pilgrim, the sparks of resistance, and the quiet flame of Christ burning within.

My prayer is that these lines will strengthen your heart to keep walking the narrow way with courage and hope. The road may be hard, but it is never walked alone. The Savior who calls you also carries you, and the peace He gives is stronger than every storm.

May you hear His voice afresh:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Grace and strength to you on the backward path,

The Poet

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

John 17:16

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

2 Timothy 3:12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Matthew 7:13-14

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 John 2:15-17

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Through velvet night the multitude advances,

A glittering flood of silk and shattered glances,

Chasing lanterns hung on mist and lies—

Broad road of self where every pleasure dies.

Yet one lone pilgrim presses contraflow,

Face lit by a cross that only saints may know.

Each step a wound, each breath a battle cry,

While heaven’s whisper thunders, “Follow, I.”

Society’s wide river, swift and loud,

Sweeps gilded barges toward the waiting shroud.

The pilgrim wades against the current’s flood,

A living scandal to the world’s false god.

The friction sparks—flames lick the pilgrim’s frame;

Derision howls like wolves that scent the slain.

Yet in the furnace of their scorn refined,

A still, small voice breathes peace the world can’t find.

For Christ, the Rock that cleaves the raging sea,

Has planted deep an anchor, firm and free.

No gale can loose the peace His wounds secured—

A crystal river where the Lamb is Lord.

Though friendships fracture like a brittle reed

And crowns of comfort tumble as they bleed,

The pilgrim lifts their eyes where thorn-crowned glory shines,

And tastes the joy no earthly chain confines.

O soul, arise and join this backward race—

The narrow path where Jesus sets the pace.

In conflict’s forge His image you shall bear,

And wear the peace that calms the tempests there.