The Shepherd's Step

Can you picture, in your mind,
A sheepdog on a hill?
He has in mind to do
Only as the shepherd will.

From a tiny little pup,
He has learned the Master's mind.
With trust, he now obeys.
For, his master has been kind.

He knows the master's step
From the bond, down, through the years.
All else becomes of nought
As the Master's voice he hears.

Does the dog mind, every day,
That he has to work with sheep?
His heart beats for the master's work,
Devotion is so deep.

He has no care for comfort
And will obey at any cost.
He will sacrifice his very life
To save a sheep that's lost.

If he hears a howling call,
Where another love is found,
Will he wrench away and break
The love that has him bound?

Though he sees a frisky rabbit,
Does he take off for the chase
Or will he wander as he chooses?
No, his eyes stay on one face.

Could there be a better master
On another greener hill?
He knows no longing, only joy,
For his Master says, "Be still."

 Soft Whispers from 
 Derry's Heart Poems
 © 2002 used with permission
 heartwhispers@iinet.net.au