The Shepherd finally got bored.
Got tired of them always following him around.
Some of them taking pictures. Others
writing down every word he said.
Scribbling them in heavy tomes for posterity.
But most waiting for him to cure a leper
or turn their water into something tastier.
Finally, he said: �Look sheep. Go.
Get your own. It�s everywhere. Just look!�
Confused from all the eye-rolling and squinting,
they baaaaaaaed and shook their heads.
All they could see was what was always there.
They replied: �No, we cannot leave you.�
So the Shepherd said: �All right.
Let�s go down to the water. Time
for you to walk and let me watch.�
Obedient as ever they went in.
One by one they did not come back.
He lies down in the sand to rest
his aching limbs and sleepless head.
Hears her strumming the words
of Sugar Pie Honey Bunch
with her voice. Feels a great
weight lift. Like a million leeches
flying from his tired veins.
And though she is miles
of time away, he follows her
to when sheep are clouds
and clouds are sheep
and love is enough.


�2006 by Ray Sweatman