Tuesday, September 29, 2015

The Shepherd

With humble demeanor and thoughtful repose
he stands, unassuming, amid the great throng.
Foregoing attention, intent on his role,
he ponders each question, words carefully chose
to impact precisely; to reach and console.

Rarely indeed does a man come along
who inspires to listen, to look our hearts
when blinded by struggles and losing our faith.
Who’s able to touch the crux of our souls,
reminding us all how our lives interlace.

We try to absorb what his wisdom imparts—
our spirits are moved, inexplicably so.
He lacks any pretense,  and yet tour de force
pries our souls open; we let down our guard…
he sets by example, his words reinforce.

Our paths may not cross in this lifetime of ours
but yet his words echo inside of each still…
to strive to be better, to never lose hope;
when problems consume and our taste for life sours,
and ills take us down and we’re left feeling broke;
        when into the darkest abyss we are thrown
        we’re called to remember: we’re never alone.

© Ginny Brannan 2015











Watching the Pope visiting the U.S. last week, was taken by his serene demeanor, the way he would lean in to listen to the ones speaking to him. When he spoke, whether before Congress, or before the masses, his message was one of caring—for the earth, for each other. A gentle reminder for all of us to do better, to be better than who we are.

3 comments:

  1. It was quite inspiring, and I am not even Catholic.
    True shepherds are hard to come by. Those at least that don't seem to have an ulterior motive. And one whose words match their actions as well.
    We need more shepherds in word and deed.

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  2. It was very inspiring. I hope the world listened.

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  3. I loved this tribute - I really enjoyed the Pope's visit. Thanks.

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Thank you for reading my poetry and sharing your thoughts.