Sheperd's Staff

Sheperd's Staff
Mark James Evangelista

Alone in the midst of nowhere
numb, unaware and as if, in despair
beaten and fallen by a despot's cudgel
hugging himself, teardrops keep falling

The night was dark, dreary and doomed
covered with mist, so sad, not good
Alas, he has nothing,
no water or food
but only his staff,
a long piece of wood.

The rustling of leaves, the hush of the wind
made him at peace, enlightened by moon's gleam
as he was enveloped by a deep sleep,
succumbed by pain that he tried to heed.

Yes, he was asleep but his thoughts do speak
Not of Anger,
Hatred, 
nor even Revenge bleak.
For he was with God, who guides him throughout,
his Shelter,
his Refuge,
the One who leads his path.

And as the night comes to an end
He welcomed the dawn and started to bend
wonderful praises,
never ending thanks,
to the Lord Almighty
source of Wisdom and Grace

Again he stood, and picked up his staff
shocked and aghast on what happened last night,
for his soiled old clothes, from head to foot
is now a tunic of silk embellished with truth.