The meadow picturesque in colours of lavender and green
A weeping willow reflecting in the river, conjoins the landscape with hues of aqua marine
In the distance the remnants of a collapsed cottage finds comfort amongst the ancient rocks
Now filled with weed and the occasional visit by a cunning old fox
Cries as if children heard echoing throughout the fields
The long haired muttons their worries kept silently concealed
Instinctively guarding “ewe” with baby lamb clinging to the breast
Their journey to end with a Papal blessing and a Pallium for his chest
At day’s end the congregation lays huddled by the night fire
The weary shepherd measures his distance by means of the far-off church spire
His sceptre planted firmly, as if a lighthouse in the night
Two old rams appointed its protector flank its magical might
The dawn breaks accompanied by a strange wind and rain
Nature’s elements foretell of an imminent bane
Listen oh sheep to the warnings of lightning and thunder
The wolves stand ready to tear you asunder
Awake my friends, let our journey begin anew
My duty and your sacrifice will bring reverence to a crucified Jew
Guide my passage as I guide yours
Let us keep distant from Satan’s door
Guard your sleep as if it were your eternity
The Devil’s sons your demise they plan in their fraternity
Be as the sceptre of the pious Shepherd
The silence of the lambs will break no matter how quiet the leopard.
Thank you,
Joseph Pede
