the hounds (Psalm 23:6a)

Only goodness and steadfast love shall pursue me
   all the days of my life (JPS TANAKH Translation)

pacing myself
      for the marathon,
      i slowly start
     out on the
         journey,
   ignoring the chances
      to stop and catch
         my breath,
   waving you off
      as you try to hand
         me a cup of
         stilled water,
   refusing to pay attention
      to the detour
             signs
   marking an easier
         way;

thinking ahead to
      that shadowed valley
   lying on the other side
         of the steep
                hill
      i start to climb,
   i do not hear
            you
     whistling to
        To-wb and
        Wa-he-sed,
      and letting the hounds
           sniff my scent,
   you send them on
              my trail,
      until catching up with                
                 me,
         they nip my heels
             (gently)
   turning me towards
                  home

where you wait
        with supper
      on the
             table.

(c) 2014  Thom M. Shuman