still waters
every good shepherd
knows lambs sip
only from still waters–
unequipped
to navigate turbulence,
survival instinct kicks in –
they need to feel safe
somehow, sheep
figured out to fear
running water –
if thrown into a moving river
sheep can easily drown
–but who? who
would mislead the lambs?
how did we get here?
false shepherds.
like watching a bad B-movie…
clueless characters
follow a trail of crumbs
right into the arms
of danger
so this sheep set out for the Atlantic…
a night kayak
in search of still waters, we dipped
paddles in the shallows, watched fireworks –
the underwater kind, ignited
by luminescent dinoflagellates…
new moon magic, night sparkle
still waters glowed
and I remembered:
there is a God
©draft, PJF
images courtesy of pixaby
Patricia Franz writes picture books and poetry. She believes children, dogs, and sourdough have a lot to teach us about life, joy, and wonder. She has raised two boys, four dogs, and holds a master’s degree in Theology with a focus on children’s spirituality. Patricia, her husband, her Bernese Mountain dog, Bonny, and her sourdough starter split their time between the Arizona desert and the Sierra Nevada mountains. 
Enchanting!
Lovely! Luminescent images!!! Thank you.
Patricia, your photos are magnificent and make me feel so at ease. I always look forward to reading others’ blogs on the monthly SJT theme. Your ending lines are filled with truth. Only a creative God could give us the peace of still waters and the beauty of nature. Your photos of nighttime are exceptionally awesome. Thank you for filling my heart with peace.
Sheep require a good shepherd, for they cannot care for themselves…powerful imagery about the waters. I have thought much of late about the sovereignty of God and his provision. He is in control. Always. What beautiful, awe-filled moments, that night kayak trip.
Patricia, your pictures are beautiful and fill me with peace. I am especially drawn to the one of the sunset on the water. I feel the person in the kayak is staring into the radiance of God and feeling a great sense of serenity. God’s light touches him ant tells him all will be right. Bob
I did not know lambs sip only from still waters, always something new to learn.
The water brings peace to our souls. I love thinking of your night kayak adventure, the luminescent gift of the creatures, and the new moon magic.