The Sheep Speaks

"Here in The Psalm" by Sally Fisher

Hello, Poetry Friend

How many of you have read the 23rd Psalm? Or heard it read at a funeral? Or sung it (perhaps in John Rutter’s Requiem)? It is one of the best-known poems in the English language.

Here’s a quick refresher from the King James Version of the Bible, written during Shakespeare’s time.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Now, with that as background, read Sally Fisher’s “Here in The Psalm,” which begins like this: “I am a sheep / and I like it.”

Psalm 23 is also written from the perspective of a sheep, but Fisher’s version sounds like a sheep that just wandered into the barn after a long night on the town. The tone is different, and that changes the meaning.

Fisher’s poem is more literal than metaphorical, making it funnier (the sheep spilling its drink and wobbling in its chair). Yet the poem still works on a deep level. It makes us think more carefully about everything the shepherd says.

Poetry Journal

• Read Psalm 23 and the poem.

• Jot down what you notice, what you like, what you don’t, what questions you have, and at least one way in which the poem speaks to your soul.

• Read the poem again, aloud (if you didn’t the first time). Is there anything you notice this time that you want to add to your journal?

• Choose a serious poem, even a Psalm. Write your own poem in response that takes a humorous turn. If you like, email me what you write.

Take care, Megan