My Flock

I walked amongst the flock of grazing sheep,
Choosing from them for my tribe,
Then gathering the chosen few,
To wander with me to the hills,
And I knew that they would follow.

As we neared the rising ground,
I watched my flock adapt to the rocky terrain,
Then we continued, and I braced myself against the cold,
Whilst my companions wore their winter coats,
And wondered at my discomfort.

The grass was sparse amidst the rocks,
Where patches of ice froze the earth,
But my flock preserved themselves with ease,
Whilst I struggled, slipping and sliding,
And puzzlement was plain upon their faces.

A fanciful thought came to me,
Up there in that wintry land,
Why should my flock be led by me?
For together they could rule that barren place,
And alone, no doubt, they could survive for a time.