Andrew Badger’s most recent poem to appear here was “October” (October 2016) 

The Shepherd
By Andrew Badger

Loud sustained
tremulous bleats
crescendo,
when precious
lambs
and salivating
wolf
stand eye to eye
alerting shepherd
and dog.

Thus, too, the Good
Shepherd
guards his flock
with utmost care
ever mindful
of deceitful
goats
leading the flock
on dangerous rocky
paths.

He knows the green
pastures and bubbling
springs, as well as
the hillocks
where
predators lurk
some patient
salivating wolf
awaiting wayward
lambs.

This Good Shepherd
loves
each lamb—
will sacrifice
his life
to protect
the life of the flock
given into his
eternal
custody.