‘Shepherd’ – A Poem by Joyce Rupp

I have been in that bleak valley

When the last bit of joyfulness

Was sucked out of my spirit

By the ripping winds of desolation.

In those times of extended anguish

The memory of green pastures

With you shepherding my way

Brought me strength to go on.

Shepherd, now, others in need

As they stumble on their dark road

Today: I unite my heart with those in gloomy valleys.

Excerpted from Fragments of Your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp. Copyright ©2011 Joyce Rupp. Used with the permission of the publisher, Sorin Books^®, an imprint of Ave Maria Press^®, Inc., Notre Dame, Indiana 46556. www.avemariapress.com.