The Shepherd
My shepherd locks me in the fold
For each night after dusk
When the sun becomes a scarlet orb
And the sky the shade of husk
I could never enjoy the hillside
In the blackness of the sky
When stars scatter like twinkling jewels
And the moon reigns on high
Again at sundown He called for us
Back to the dreaded fold
All bleated and ran for Him
I did my silence hold
I watched Him from hiding
As He led all back
Merrily they followed Him
Back to the old hay stack
I watched Him feed all
And pet them with His hands warm
I wished and longed to be there
But my freedom held more charm
As He parted for the night
I saw Him count one by one
I saw concern clouding His eyes
“Where has gone, my straying son?”
I heard Him call out my name
With a rich love-lined voice
I had to flee, flee from there
I had made my choice
I ran and ran, heard Him no more
And beheld the beauty serene
Of the dark hills, the lake calm
The moon a parading queen
But the night was so cold
I longed for the fold so warm
I heard the calls of beasts wild
My soul had lost its calm
The fears of darkness engulfed me
I tried to find my way back home
But I was lost, I was afraid
And I was all alone
Storm clouds gathered, rain pelted
Thunders crashed, wild winds blew
I sat crying with a helpless heart
There was nothing I could do
Then I heard my shepherd’s voice
Beheld His raiment in the dark
I was ashamed of what I had done
I stood head hung afar
He ran to me, held me in His arms
And shielded me from the raging storm
And said, “Fear not, my little lamb,
I’ve come to take you home”