Memo on a Parable

Memo on a Parable

by Ed Werstein

To:       The Shepherd
Re:       Your Lost Sheep

Let’s consider this from his perspective.

Maybe he had a mind of his own.

Maybe he was tired of conforming,

of every time his eyes wandered

feeling the crook of your staff

round his neck.

Maybe he just wanted to be

alone for awhile,

to not be a part of the fucking

flock any more.

Maybe he was sick and tired

of your mid-night advances.

Maybe he was an artist

searching for a tar pit

to dye in,

the original black sheep.

Maybe he didn’t want to be found.

Maybe you were just afraid

of what songs he’d sing to your flock

across the hills at night.

~ first appeared on The Camel Saloon