466. Lead and follow

Sometimes I want to lead,
Sometimes I want to follow.
It entirely depends on
Whose company I am in.
If it is God, then I want to lead;
If it is man, then I want to follow.
Why?
Why?
While leading God,
If I go astray,
He will correct me and perfect me
And guide me to my destination.
While following man,
If he makes a deplorable mistake,
My pure and sympathetic heart
Will want to share half the penalty,
If not more.
Sri Chinmoy, The Wings of Light, part 10, Aum Press, Puerto Rico, 1974