Performance

Where we were going that day I can’t recall,
but we saw a wonder: a flock of shambling sheep
and a pair of maestros shaping, blending them.

We pulled up quietly, respectfully, half on grass.
(What kind of yobbo would have honked and barged?)
Two border collies, sprung, alert and instant, focused
like marksmen down the sights of their black noses,
crouching, rising, circling, skimming the road,
pouring their timorous underlings into a field.
One tried to cut and run; two others followed
(like sheep). A dog went spanking like a cheetah
along the verge, outflanked them, turned and squatted,
stared them back. The big gate fastened, we advanced,

saluted man and dogs, and went - wherever.