A shepherd stopped his car at the brow of the hill
diverting back road travellers
to the wrong side of the road
on the early morning rat run.
Obstructing the race, the faster pace
unknowingly single-mindedly
unlatches the gate.
Climbing the hill, shaded
after sunrise ,cold smooth slips
of mud and bare grass.
Disappearing tracks through gorse
coarse yellow scented spikes.
A plastic bucket in each hand,
deliberate tweed jacket
and flat hat. Dog barking
and hopping, slyly
eyeing the sheep.
Ewes huddle at the stone wall,
slyly eyeing the dog
And the shepherd tends his beasts.