Poem: But a Simple Shepherd: A Christmas Poem (Revised)

But a simple shepherd,
Leading my sheep o'er barren hills toward town.
Who could have known how life would change
When the angels above shone down?

But a simple shepherd,
Listening to angels entreat.
I make my way toward Bethlehem,
A young family there to greet.

But a simple shepherd, I peered into the stable,
Come to see a little babe, lain 'tween horse and sheep.
Who could have known how the world would change
By this babe so fast asleep?

But a simple shepherd,
Ne'er one to open mouth to preach.
How could I not go with news of the babe
Out into the world, every soul needed to reach?

But a simple shepherd,
Amazed at this life so changed.
Could have ne'er imagined preaching an evangelist's message
That night upon the grassy range.

But a simple shepherd,
Staff and flock long stored;
Shepherding the new believers
Of that baby, our Savior, the Lord.

(Revised Nov. 19, 2021)