Poem June 16, 1986 Issue

Homecoming in the dark

MARTHA SAGE VANG

The sheep hear the tapping of the shepherd's rod
on the rock
and are at peace,
knowing that care is near in the dark.
The wolves hear it, too,
and stay away.

Only in the calm can the rod be heard,
when we keep close to the Shepherd.
In that air devoid of restlessness,
there's no moving target for ambushing eyes.

Pilgrim, travel-weary and battle-worn,
with rock-chipped hooves and hobbled hopes,
join the fold.
Listen for His rod with a hushed heart.
Your lips humble with holy quiet.
Experience a deep, composed, and settled joy
(that sweet warmth of knowing you are not alone).

Then, in stillness, safekeeping will remain,
till dawn finds you unafraid, refreshed, and made anew,
feeling an armload of mercy in the Shepherd's hug,
thrilled to have found a love such as this,
and knowing you have finally found a home.

MARTHA SAGE VANG

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