I am the bread of life that satisfies
The deep desire of ev’ry hungry soul.
I am this dark world’s light; I open eyes
Long blinded on the path toward life’s great goal.
I am the door to God’s rich pastureland;
My followers go safely to their rest.
I am the way to God’s most gracious hand;
And there with me, they’ll be forever blessed.
I am the shepherd, good to all I own,
They live because I freely died for them.
I am the vine; no fruit appears alone,
But where the branch attaches to the stem.
Before the start of any human strife,
I am the resurrection, and the life!
Your shepherd-light restores my steps
leading me through valleys toward peace
We frame his daily work of love
along a mirrored river of calm
brown legs and arms reaching for above
snow white their wool where they belong
such peace not to be fleeced ~
he cuddles them where nature is song
Hills ribboned breasts peachy orange
prime colours are all we need
this is how we feed from Earth’s
core green sweet …
______________________
Art piece :
Shepherd and Sheep at Vlaici
Nicolae Darascu
Date: 1912
Style: Post-Impressionism
Genre: Landscape
Source : Wikiart
_________________________
3rd PLACEMENT : Premier Contest
Sponsor : Brian Strand : March 26
hurling
morality
his pulpit suit rich red
impressed myopic saints
his breath suffered
from wine
The staff of my Father enjoining the past
futurity’s herding a bleating morass
The bloodline of orphans forever is linked
tattooing the flock with invisible ink
The first time the last time when nearing the end
tomorrow’s ungifted excuses portend
And times better nature is better untimed
beginning and ending forever conjoined
Eternity’s fenceposts hem in with disdain
all future inclemency fire and rain
But just as that last final sheep stays unsold
— my Father returns to re-shepherd the fold
(Dreamsleep: June, 2025)
Do to others as you seek,
Let kindness shine, make prayers unique.
Even when they mock and scorn,
Still bless them from dusk to dawn.
For God, in love so deep and true,
Held us close when we withdrew.
The Word made flesh drew near to stay,
Though we had wandered far away.
Upon that Cross, in the darkest night,
He interceded for us at Mercy’s seat.
The One who sent the floods before,
Now guides us through the Shepherd’s door.
He who gives good gifts with grace,
Says, ‘I won’t forget your face.’
Though kith and kin may turn aside,
Your name is in His palm inscribed.
The Author of our every page,
Writes ‘Redeemed’ through each new stage.
Once lost, now found - His Blood restores,
A life of victory forevermore!
I will wander through all the aeons and uncover all mysteries
As shepherd of the shining stars
Greek wisdom, the heavenly crescent moon
(Cento poem about Christ, using lines from the three surviving Gnostic/Naassene hymns)
Rod of Shepherd
Hook wayward sheep
Walk all right way.
There was a shepherd who fell sound asleep
So there was no one to tend to his sheep
The sheep were delighted, freedom at last
Followed the leader and ran from the past.
Walking for miles over fields, hills and moor
The sheep were excited, as never before
Then came the sunset and the night grew dim
They began to feel that freedom was grim.
They became hungry, went searching for food
But couldn't find forage and became subdued
Unable to lie down, they couldn’t sleep
As they were pursued by some ghastly beasts.
Tired and weary the sheep so wished to be
Back in the flock and the hand of safety
They realised they need their shepherd's care
For love, food and shelter that's always there.
When the sheep had almost lost every hope
A familiar face came over the slopes
It was their shepherd and all ran with glee
To reunite with him, most thankfully.
They vowed they'd never run away again
Wasn't worth the havoc, sorrow or pain
Then the tired hungry sheep with baa-baa bleats
Thanked God for shepherds who watch o'er their fleece.
All we, like sheep, have strayed
From the good and righteous way
Choosing a shepherd to lead the flock
Is the difference between pasture or rocks
One will feed and nurture the sheep fold
The other waits over the edge, below
Follow the Black sheep to the brink
Or the false shepherd, distracted with drink
Go your own way with little light
All will bring you to a disastrous plight
The Good Shepherd leads with rod and staff
To protect, and guide on a true and safe path
Unto God, my soul is His.
To pick me up
when life is amiss.
My hand is His to take
and lead me by still waters
or to walk on the lake.
You hold me up and teach me this,
I will not stay above if it's Him I miss.
When the Lord of all
Calls you His own
When He is your great Shepherd
You'll never be alone
For when you lose your way
Or from the fold you stray
He Will find you and carry you home.
You will never want
There's nothing more you need
He gives you peace and rest
In pastures so green
He knows when you thirst
To living waters he leads
When the Lord of all
Calls you His own
When you walk through the valley
When death stalks by so near
Know the Shepherd watches
And there's nothing to fear
The rod and staff he carries
Will never hurt you or harm
It's for your protection
and to guide you safely to his arms
You will never want
There's nothing more you need
He gives you peace and rest
In pastures so green
He knows when you thirst
To living waters he leads
When the Lord of all
Calls you His own
Before the Enemy
You show your care for me
By setting your table with all my needs
You Anoint my head with Oil
To give me healing
And fill my heart with joy
And fill my heart with joy!
You lead the park but scare no sheep,
An ewe went astray while you sleep,
Why weren't you on call round the clock?
To care for and protect the flock.
Your meow is just too soft a bleep,
No shepherd rules you could just keep.
How will you keep away the fox?
When your greed desires too the cocks.
The sadness you caused is too deep,
I will have to sell you off cheap.
You made my farm be on the rocks,
Sorrow is what you have in stocks.
You are proud to be a blacksheep,
Your joy is to see others weep.
At your foolishness, the dogs mock,
Who will wake me up from this shock?
A good shepherd
Gives his life for the sheep
He protect and care the flock
There are threats coming from thieves
From wolves who try to break into the fold
Attack the sheep and scatter them.
A good shepherd is one who stands up
For his sheep and does not run away
When his life is threaten.
The Great Shepherd
Keep me Lord, on the path you made
Keep my feet from stumbling
Take me Lord, through the narrow way
And I will follow humbly.
For your the Great Shepherd
You care for me
It's your voice that I've heard
No other will I heed.
Keep me Lord, inside your fold
Where I find safety and peace
Take me Lord, into your arms to hold
For I was that lost little sheep.
And your the Great Shepherd
You laid down your life for me
It's all in your Holy Word
This gift you've given freely.
Keep me Lord, from the evil way
Keep temptation from me
If I hear the Stranger say,
“come”, I'll not be deceived.
For your the Great Shepherd
There's no one like Thee
The strength of your staff and your word,
Protection for your sheep.
Keep me Lord, listening
To your voice alone
Take me Lord, and carry me
To my eternal home.
For your the Great Shepherd
On you we can depend
Through this weary life on Earth,
To the next…Amen.
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