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By T. Wright
Jefferson, MD Copyright © 2001
taking on a dare.
They look at me daily,
hopefully unaware;
Not seeing who I am
running with the pack.
Ram tough, trusted—
same load on my back.
August 1969,
Hudson Valley
state of mind;
visiting sweeping green,
gray plain,
so grand.
Oh to be grazing "up the country"
Yasgur’s pasture land;
with my brothers’ and sisters’
generational musical retreat.
Yet within a year
captured by Souza’s martial beat.
foot in either camp;
seeing clearing,
by Wisdom’s lamp.
Seeming schizophrenic:
Colt M-16—Gibson J-45,
Army Times – Rolling Stone,
Camouflage – denim, tie-dyed.
Aviator kit bag, dual purposed,
parachute in hand,
also carried equipment
for a rock and roll band.
Long-hair natural,
wooly-wooly nap;
neatly shorn, high and tight
under service cap.
Omnivore, I’ve become;
eaten ivy, meat, and oats.
I prefer sushi,
fresh from fishing boats.
years plainly in view.
Earlier, "young wolf’s" eyes gleaming,
Proudly passing in review.
From dress right dress, spit and polish,
To a disorderly and motley crew.
This existence never ceases to amaze
other sheep, too!
Marching, saluting smartly,
"Duty, Honor, and Country" bound.
After the parade, yearning someday
to take even higher ground.
I found living with wolves,
not all predatory, as you’d suppose.
Many caring, a few with artistic flair too,
though not evident by there clothes.
When not in wolf’s clothing, roaming about;
some sheep, disbelieving, distrusting,
say I’ve got "a ‘wolf-fanged’ grin,
gray fur sprouting out!"
4. Sheep in wolf’s clothing,
standing in the door.
Finger on the trigger,
poised, ready for war.
Looking back now,
"Could’ve been sacrificial lamb."
Something bigger than sheep and wolves
controls master plan.
Still a sheep in wolf’s clothing,
Once taken on a dare.
They look at me now knowing,
but I don’t really care.
I’ve earned the right too
to a peaceful night’s sleep.
I’ll return to the flock,
better for my Shepherd’s heart.
Still a sheep in wolf’s clothing,
once taken on a dare.
They look at me now knowing,
no longer a scare.