“Go Back!” Reminiscences of a reluctant shepherdess. A sheep sits huddled in a corner of the paddock as the rain pelts down; sinks low in the sodden grass desperate to escape the all-seeing eye of the working dog. I yell in vain as Biddy rounds up the flock whirling them round and around, this way, then that way - no closer to the gate confused by my conflicting commands: ‘Go back. Go behind, No, No … Back, Good dog, No, Let it go, Stay, Go round No! For Christ’s sake, Go back!’ Pregnant ewes cough and pant as they race like miniature ponies on the track; but they “must be moved” and my heart takes on a wild beat as the sheep whirl faster and faster In despair, I scream at Biddy with all my pent up frustration. She looks at me in disbelief. You sorry shepherdess you … have you no clue? Just let me get on with it. Stop shouting, pointing, cursing, running …. You are no dog … let me be – I’ll do my job. I wipe the muddied droplets from my eyes, shrug in hopeful resignation, decide to trust; trudge in squelching footsteps through the mud, to coax the Stubborn One to her feet. She sees me coming, tries to get away but I discover she is nearly cast, one leg half gone to sleep. I roll her over, support her as she sways from side to side; relieves herself in one grateful stream then staggers off towards the flock. My dog comes running, her wild streak roused the main mob forgotten, for here is One alone, An easy prey, a chance to tease and torment, In fear, I shout, “Leave it, leave it … go back.” With great reluctance Biddy returns her flock now calm pouring like droopy cumulous clouds, through the open gate. I follow slowly jogging this way and that, to guide the prodigal one back to the fold; then pat my collie’s head for a job complete Amanda Edwards © 2013
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 22:22:20 +0000