I was standing on the corner

of 23rd and Psalm

Feeling kinda nervous

Trying to stay calm.

I was looking for direction

And wondering what I'd find

I was hoping that I'd meet someone

Compassionate and kind.

But looks can be deceiving

And things not always what they seem

I wasn't sure of what happened next

Or what it all might mean.

I thought I saw a shepherd

Though I couldn't see his sheep

He walked right up to me and said he thought

That it was time we should meet.

You could say I was still nervous

Not knowing what to think

We walked through lush green pastures

And quiet streams

where we could drink.

He told me not to worry

Though there still was much to fear

Stay on this path and follow me he firmly said

And I'll be ever near.

By now I actually trusted him

He had such deep and loving eyes

Everything seemed genuine

Nothing hidden by disguise.

Then we walked on through the valley

I was afraid, near scared to death

But his soothing words and presence helped calm all my fears

So I could finally catch my breath.

When we came out on the other side

We found a banquet feast

Everything I could ever wantand more

Was laid out at my feet.

We had taken quite a journey

But was it only in my mind?

To me it didn't matter much

For I know that he's alive

This gentle man had stayed with me

And just like I hoped, was compassionate and kind

But there still was one more question

That kept runnning through my mind.

I was sure he was the Shepherd

But where then were his sheep?

He said the sheep were in the sheepfold

And he protects them while they sleep.

And then those loving deep down eyes

Looked straight ahead in mine

And this is what he said to me

Which I will always treasure in my mind.

I met you on this corner here

Because you belong with all my sheep

And because from Heaven I heard you say

"I pray the Lord my soul to keep."

Nickolas J. Zaccaro

North Whitehall Township