On pastor's leaves
in willow's dean
a spottl'd man
in shielded sun.
an arm atop a knarl-ed sheen
a hat, a cloak, and boots agleem
unruly white and white again
hairs like twigs and silver spun.
the shepherd lean
a face that teamed
with worries, sorrows, pleasures and
one smile nine hundred races won.
eyes blue then dun then mottled green
they pierce the forest and county mean
bright shore afar made this world bland
search'd richer heav'n he'd just begun.
i fear him not for i am keen
to hold his pearly hands between
my breast and face heart-heaving sad
exquisite frame youth's tender plunge.
for my face too ablaze alight
my footfalls ne'er by dullards seen
the god's compelling glorious brand
upon my heart, the fateful course I run, I run.
