Shepherd’s Hook – v2

A shepherd’s hook, maybe five feet tall,

stood in the corner of the empty office

a reminder of the role

the reason for this room,

in the corner of the building

it called out to be used, with the sheep,

to have sweat and dirt join the clean wood

to be used in the field, in work,

to guard and lead and protect

the members of the flock

A memory of the old shepherd

and those for whom it is more than metaphor

reminding me of the cane, placed, waiting

in the corner of the new house

at the close of “Miracle on 34^th Street”

reminding them of his presence;

A reminder that believing is seeing,

that God will always be there, that

God will remember the covenant, His promises

that the Good Shepherd is always watching

watching over us, ready

His rod and his staff

are there to protect,

to give us safe haven in a troubled world

a symbol, indicia, a talisman

of God’s love, our joy

like the bow in the sky

and the bread and wine

in remembrance, forever

of the hand of the Master, the Potter,

the staff to ward off enemies

and the hook to bring them and us home

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edited November 26, 2014

Shepherd’s Hook – v4

(editing version 2)

edited March 16, 2014

Shepherd’s Hook – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/03/shepherds-hook-v3.html

edited January 25, 2014

Shepherd’s Hook – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/01/shepherds-hook-v2.html

July 16, 2006 14:17

Shepherd’s Hook

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/07/shepherds-hook.html

Genesis 8:12-17, Psalm 23:4, Matthew 28:20, and John 10:11.

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 33,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.