A Shepard We Trust

From A through to M, then from N through to Z

She guides us to exactly where we should be.

Marvel as characters are given flesh and worlds,

With tales that should be read from scrolls unfurled.

Be it elven warriors or the mirrors to our souls—

Those people, flawed, loveable, and hateable peepholes

To what makes us tick, what makes us truly human.

She has empathy, sympathy, and high-level acumen.

~

With a flick of her pen or the click of her keys,

Whole dimensions are created for readers to see.

Whether it's the darkest tomes or most fantastical grace,

She plots out all the heartbreak, victories we face.

~

Not a fan of spoon-fed plots—preferring we search for spoons,

Whether it means adventures of the heart or the eternal tombs.

Every smile, laugh, shocked scream, or cry is hard-won—

Not cheap or forced, but with thoughtful writing, it’s done.

~

So, here's to DK, our Shepard through poetry and prose.

What she will pen next, only the woman herself knows.

*

Thanks for reading!

Author's Notes: As you may have suspected, this is another in my accidental series of poems/odes dedicated to some of my fellow writers/friends here on Vocal. That all started with a piece about Rachel Deeming, then Matthew Fromm and Stephen A. Roddewig. You may also have guessed that it is for the extremely talented D.K. Shepard. I encourage you all to check out something she has written today, something you've not read, as she is talented as a poet and when she turns to fiction. She is also very encouraging and supportive, and that is greatly appreciated.

Here is some more writing be me: