through high desert
familiar in a distant
primeval sense
cactus and mesquite
lie in wait, claws bared
among sharp rocks
in harsh mountain terrain
drawn on by hunger
thorn-bushes scratch her underbelly
briers catch her woolly coat
following her own path
far from the Shepherd
she cries in pain
the Shepherd rescues her
replaces briers with sweet myrtle
thorn bushes with cedars and pine
quenches her thirst by still waters
led in peace, she joins the procession
mountains and hills burst into song
before her the trees
clap their hands
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