“Go Back”

POSTED IN contemporary poetry September 13, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Go Back”

Reminiscences of a reluctant shepherdess.

 

A sheep sits huddled in a corner
of the paddock, as the rain pelts down
sinks lower in the sodden grass,
desperate to escape the all-seeing eye
of the working dog.

 

I yell in vain as Biddy rounds up the flock
turning them round and around, this way
then that way – no closer to the gate
confused by my conflicting commands:

 

‘Go back, go behind, no, no … back, good dog,
no, let it go, stay … for goodness sake, go back!’

Pregnant ewes cough and pant as they
race like horses on the track
but “they must be moved” and my heart
takes on a wild beat 
as the sheep whirl faster and faster; 

In despair, I scream at Biddy
with all my pent up frustration.

 

She looks at me in disbelief.
You sorry shepherdess you … have you no clue?
Just let me get on with it.
Stop shouting, pointing, cursing, running ….
You are no dog … let me be, I’ll do my job!

 

I wipe the muddied droplets from my eyes
shrug in hopeful resignation and decide to trust;
trudge in squelching footsteps through the mud,
to coax the Stubborn One to her feet.

 

She sees me coming, tries to get away
but I discover she is nearly cast, 
one leg half gone to sleep.
I roll her over
support her as she sways from side to side;
relieves herself in one grateful, steaming stream
then staggers off blindly towards the flock.

 

My dog comes running, her wild streak roused
the main mob forgotten, for here is One alone,
an easy prey, a chance to tease and torment.
In fear I shout, “Leave it, leave it … go back.”

With some reluctance Biddy returns,
her flock now calm,
pouring like cumulus clouds through the open gate
I slowly follow, jogging this way and that,
to guide the prodigal one back to the fold;
then pat my collie’s head for a job complete.

 

 

 

Amanda Edwards