Poem December 4, 2023 Issue

to the lost sheep

Ben Frederick

the Mother looks
outward ever hopeful
expecting your silhouette
(backlit by glory)
to rise on the horizon
like the sun
returning
to break bread with Her again

the Father-Shepherd steps
from His flock
to fill the hills with your name
(hear it ringing from the rocks)
to kiss you as a son
to hold you as a daughter
and bless you
and bring you
home

we will not stand jealous
outside the tent
coveting what we already have
(what was always ours)
we will see in your face
the face of God and be
pleased with you
for everyone feels lost
sometimes
but every one is found