The Farmer and the Shepherd

I have always imagined the farmer as antagonist

Imposing a Euclidian geometry of lines and squares

Over the curvature of the earth

My sympathies have instead been with the shepherds

And perhaps there is a generational animosity

Between farmers and shepherds

That goes back some time

The farmer is an owner who has big plans

The shepherd has nothing but his songs

The farmer is a servant on his own land

His stewardship is morally commendable

The shepherd has a kind heart and a sweet song

In his throat. He is in unity with his dog.

He is a lover who enjoys the wine

Of the farmer’s bounty.

This is what makes the farmer mean.

He resents the shepherd’s freedom

For wealth can never be stowed upon him.