One was destined to be lost
so that the ninety-nine could wonder
why a good shepherd would leave them
alone to go looking for the lamb of perdition,
imagining him already fallen beyond rescue
into the valley filled with shadows and death.
Why look for trouble, they bleated,
turn your ankle searching low and high
for the touch of his nuzzle when you find him
ready to run from you again?
So go the ninety-nine, safe in the fold,
piling their secret and insecure sins
upon the name of the one they call
lost beyond redemption;
so goes the shepherd, taking up the staff again
and calling, calling out the name
of the one destined to be lost.

#PreparingforSundaywithpoetry early edition. Year B Easter 7 John 17:12b