Deliverance

Rope burns on my palms and neck
Those behind beg don't let go
Uphill the entire trek
Each step painfully slow

Put in front to hold the line
Because I know the way
But pace is slow and fault is mine
Because I lead the fray

Progress slows when those behind
Start digging in their heel
They fear I may be blind
And they give in to what they feel

Two steps forward, one to rear
Wish someone else could lead
Those behind curse in my ear
Throw stones until I bleed

It should have been a simple quest
With only one design
Deliver this crowd to the crest
Where we can all resign

If those behind would step with me
If we could share the weight
How speedy our ascent would be
The distance not so great

But those behind fight, one and all
The climb to liberty
I'll cut the rope and let them fall
And just deliver me