Written in the celebration of Pastor Cori Bush, in her defeat of long-time Congressman Lacy Clay on August 4, 2020. She is the first Black congresswoman from Missouri! Activist. Mother. Warrior. Servant. Thank you for everything, Cori. We love you. -JBHarris

It is the shepherds
whom protect the flock.
Some inherited, some stray
some lost from owners
who valued not
what they had,
but always…there are shepherds.
Guiding with wisdom, light and staff
they, have made protection a duty—
with humility, fueled to do
all which is is good,
to honor He whom sends,
appoints, such help.
It is the shepherds
who tend when none
are watching,
feed when no one
is able,
and stand when
all and every
falls around them.
They guide.
They cry.
They hold.
They assure.
They become pillar—
both wall and window,
able to sustain
the weight and light
of vision.
To shepherd is to be a hero.
A shepherd is a hero.
(c) JBHarris, August 2020
[image from wbur.com]