The Shepherd’s Scold, by Matthew Murrey

Annunciation to the Shepherds, by Taddeo Gaddi (Italy), fresco, church of Santa Croce, Florence. circa 1330.

The Shepherd’s Scold 

I’ve had enough of dreams 
that tantalize, then blow  
to nothing like smoke 
when I wake to the stone 
fact of tending the flock--
weathered hours for coins,
for lentils and wheat, 
for the homespun on my back.
Wishes used to dog me
like the fleas feeding on our dog,
like thirst on a shadeless day.  
You anger me angel.  
Don’t come singing of hope.
I’ve seen how things end 
for sick children, for widows, 
for the man in debt, for sheep.
Leave me in peace, bless me 
with sleep like those seven
with their horns and fleece, 
like my companion under his hood. 
His snoring is the best hymn 
of praise I’ve ever heard. 

Matthew Murrey

Matthew Murrey: "My poems have appeared in various journals such as Tar River Poetry, Poetry East, and Rattle.  I received an NEA Fellowship in Poetry a number of years ago, and my first book manuscript is seeking a publisher.  I am a high school librarian in Urbana, Illinois where I live with my partner.  We have two sons who live in the Pacific Northwest. My website is https://matthewmurrey.weebly.com/"