Notes About The Poem

 

   Early American folk art painting Gentleman with Three Sheep. English Country.

Strayed Sheep

Along the roads of grassy fields 
where thousands of sheep flit from
Astray from the flock, flouting,
fleeing with fear
blindly following.

Driven through the streets of London
at the Barnet fair to the farmers there.
But the way,     takes an insalubrious plot.
Sheer confusion along the countryside
sets in on the herd, then stray
when eddying rapids currented by the tide
and force of the streams give, taken  
to an endless frequent float  
for great distances steered,  stirred
while the timorous turn 'round. 
An endeavor to gain the place they set off
As along ancient grassy drove road lies,
weary shepherd and his  sheepdog.
Drovers, some    on the hoof

The sheep shall stray  
back to stay presently in Eden's garden
Jade-green grassy hills of harvest gold, 
and cerulean skies.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Maverick Avatar
January 13, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Barnet fair Anaya is mainly now a horse affair Lol))) its rather small and a shadow if what was Before (as i remember it) no..no I'm not that old Just a laugh..I hope i have not dissapointed you? In that i'm not ready to drop of my perch yet.' Comisserations if that is the case btw.' All the best.'
Ashley Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Dearest Anaya, I enjoyed the meander of sheep through your verse (.. and from England to Eden too..) and the beautiful 'f' and 'fl' sounds prevalent in your first stanza.. soft yet impactful sounds and words to set the scene. Gentle sprinkles of alliteration and rich, traipsing imagery let my imagination stray with the flock and the "weary shepherd and his sheepdog." Your last stanza is a grand finale to an exceptional piece. Warmest wishes, to you my inspiring poet friend, for a wonderful 2025. Cheers! ~Susan
Anaya Avatar
January 12, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Warm wishes, Susan. I'm here just to post about the devastating fires we're wrestling with. I noticed your precious review. Thank you, sweet friend.
Beaufort Avatar
December 20, 2024 at 11:40 AM
Anaya, a very interesting topic (sheep). I looked up the Barnet Fair, and it has some historical significance. The sheep you describe seem to have a desire to stay in a nicer place. Sounds like a bit of sheep chaos which makes me smile. An allegory for us too. Hope you are well and happy!! Smiles!
Anaya Avatar
December 20, 2024 at 1:59 PM
So interesting (not) I searched all I could to get something started and I came across articles of Drovers and some humorous ditties sung about them. I strayed myself composing for this contest, drifting from England to Eden, editing over again. All the while thinking of broiled lamb chops. lol. I didn't make the very short list, but I learned so much. Happy Ty!
Goldsmith Avatar
December 19, 2024 at 10:29 AM
You painted a lovely write/story with your words. I can see it. "Good Luck" Merry/Blessed Christmas.................
Anaya Avatar
December 19, 2024 at 10:43 AM
Hi Paula, ty! I'm still editing. Merry Christmas, dear to you and yours !!
Narain Avatar
December 19, 2024 at 10:12 AM
Sheep on little hills. They are frequently used to mow the hillside shrub. Better than machinery.
Anaya Avatar
December 19, 2024 at 10:20 AM
That is an interesting fact, didn't know that, Jay!
Buhagiar Avatar
December 19, 2024 at 10:10 AM
I love to see sheep wandering on some hillside. A rare view these days. Great poetry.
Anaya Avatar
December 19, 2024 at 10:21 AM
That's a shame, something so God given beautiful, gone. Ty, Victor!
Rolland Avatar
December 18, 2024 at 4:03 PM
just beautiful scene, i love too observing sheep or other peaceful animals, enjoyed my reading
Anaya Avatar
December 18, 2024 at 4:07 PM
Your countryside must be quite beautiful grassy scapes. Ty, Yann
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