The Shepherdess

 

Darron Cummings/AP

 

Open curtains to the usual scene:
apple tree’s thinnest limbs hanging leafless
while others bear fruit.  I can hear the keen
of earth turning to meet our shepherdess.
 
She leans toward people, listens, and talks.
We see she travels slowly every day,
and values each one she meets while she walks.
But how will she react to power’s sway?
 
Her crook will rescue her wandering sheep
and ward off the newest predator’s threats.
Will she remember her power?  Asleep,
it will wake to rip chronic villains’ nets.  
 
Open curtains to unusual scenes
of branches trimmed and ruined land restored.
We’re a work in progress—no time to preen.
The earth turns in hope for new peace accord.

For Mary's prompt Changing Times at What's Going On?

 My blog poems are rough drafts.

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© 2024 Susan L. Chast