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Hans the Saviour of the Flock

In a green meadow upon a Swiss hill
Was a shepherd looking after his sheep 
A lone grey wolf came looking for a kill
Hans turned sharply and looked in disbelief .

Picking up his crook he charged at the grey
His flock were bleating and ran off in fear
It was now life or death, no other way
The wolf started howling as Hans drew near.

Swinging his crook hit the wolf on the head
With a loud yelp he staggered and fell down
Hans struck repeatedly till he was dead
Feared more would come ran to alert the town. 

His swift action saved all the towns livestock 
He's now known as the saviour of the flock.


Written June 27th 2019.

Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2019

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Andrea Dietrich Date: 7/7/2019 5:09:00 PM what a nice story. WE need more HANS in the world! Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/8/2019 1:38:00 AM Thank you Andrea, it would certainly make the world a better place. Tom

Caren Krutsinger Date: 7/2/2019 6:25:00 AM Great one, Tom. It kept me captivated. I cannot imagine one lone wolf. Usually they are in a pack. Glad you addressed that. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/2/2019 10:03:00 AM Lone ones are usually outcasted ones where they didn't suceed in taking over a pack. Tom

Gershon Wolf Date: 6/30/2019 6:56:00 PM As they say: What the flock was that grey wolf doing there?! LOL. ~ White Wolf in Chicago Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/1/2019 4:53:00 AM It's the sheep in wolfs clothing we have to be careful of. Lol

Ann Gilmour Date: 6/29/2019 1:38:00 AM Nature can be so cruel Tom, but all Gods creatures have to eat to survive. What I find really upsetting is when people allow their dogs to run amok in a field of sheep, causing so much distress and often killing sheep in a most vicious way. I enjoyed reading your poem which was highly emotive Tom. Kindest thoughts Ann xx Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 7/1/2019 4:52:00 AM So true Ann, every creature needs food and only kills to survive, unlike mankind. Tom

Lindsay Laurie Date: 6/27/2019 9:15:00 PM G'day Tom … problems with dingoes and sheep here to. Maremma dogs are sometimes used, and the problem is less. A nice tale Tom - Lindsay Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/28/2019 1:35:00 AM Thanks Lindsay, hunger drives man and beast to extreme measures sometimes. Tom

Timothy Mcguire Date: 6/27/2019 4:14:00 PM Nice Story Tom, I was there during the battle as I read. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/28/2019 1:31:00 AM Thank you Timothy, we all have a lion in us, it just needs awakening now and again. Tom

Gordon Mcconnell Date: 6/27/2019 3:16:00 PM Such a lovely comforting piece Tom, showing the hero of the hour. Beautiful thoughts with lovely penning. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/28/2019 1:28:00 AM Thank you Gordon, we all find that inner strength sometimes Tom

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 6/27/2019 2:48:00 PM Hi Tom, a wonderful write and such a beautiful story of a hero of note! Hugs, Jennifer. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/28/2019 1:27:00 AM Thank you Jennifer, even the little man can sometimes win. Tom

Robert Lindley Date: 6/27/2019 11:11:00 AM Great sonnet my fine friend. A thorny problem because the wolves have to eat too. And in Natures cycle oft it is ear or be eaten. Enjoyed your finely composed sonnet. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/27/2019 1:45:00 PM Thank you very much Robert, finding the solution to please all will be difficult. Tom

John Gondolf Date: 6/27/2019 8:34:00 AM Nicely written sonnet, Tom. Here in our area the problem is coyotes and bobcats prowling suburban neighborhoods. Several months ago we had a bobcat sitting on our patio watching our cats in the house. Our cats aren't allowed out of the house anymore. John Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/27/2019 9:17:00 AM Thanks John, It's difficult because some would say it's their habitat too, we only have foxes in the UK and they have on occasion killed pet rabbits and cats. There is no easy answer. Tom.

Jan Allison Date: 6/27/2019 7:51:00 AM we take action against people with dogs so am sure we would do the same with a pack of wolves causing such devastation. A very well written sonnet Tom:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/27/2019 9:10:00 AM Thanks Jan, the problem for the farmers is that they are a protected species, but they are causing a lot of problems and the farmers are pushing to get the law changed. It's alright for some one in Brussels passing the law but it doesn't help the farmers. Tom

Vijay Pandit Date: 6/27/2019 7:08:00 AM Your story resonates, Tom..I see the shepherd in action..and hear the town cheering for Hans. Well written poem. Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/27/2019 9:06:00 AM Thank you Vijay, the cost of keeping them apart would be astronomical with fencing etc. Tom

Demetrios Trifiatis Date: 6/27/2019 6:15:00 AM A story that may be true, so delightfully said! I have read of the situation and the dilemma it has created! Excellent verse my friend, Tom! Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/27/2019 6:27:00 AM Thank you very much Demetrios , a way must be found to protect both the sheep and the wolf. Tom

Mahtab Bangalee Date: 6/27/2019 5:03:00 AM altering bell the moment of savings; descends as the savior...// beautiful poem Login to Reply Tom Cunningham Date: 6/27/2019 5:39:00 AM Thank you Mahtab, I was observing some sheep yesterday and got the idea from that. Tom