Aisha’s Egypt: Little Shepherd Boy

“Grab the camera, the sheep are coming!”
This is a wonder to behold. You can never underestimate the captivating power of a passing flock of sheep.
Well, maybe you could, but not me!
Especially if they are herded by an adorable little boy taking his duty so seriously.
You can see it in his face, the way he lightly flicks his stick to contol his herd’s advance.
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You can see it in his lively step, ready to switch his stick at any eager sheep trying to jump beyond his reach.
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Can you spot the ram, there in the middle, with his incredible, twisting horns?
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Can you see the difference in the sheeps’ bodies?
Some of these sheep still have very long, soft wool from the winter, which was not quite over yet when I took this picture. Some have lately been shorn, though, and you can see their bodies still have the nappy look of the razor’s path.
I like the way the photo shows the difference in texture between the two.
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Mostly, I like to watch the little boy, though.
As a tourist, he delights me. As a foriegner, he fascinates me.
But, as a mother, he haunts me and compassion for him floods my soul.
He marches ever onward through the dusty, muddy byways, on a route that swallows village after village
in a neverending quest for forage.
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A pile of discarded prunings, a bright patch of wayward clover,
a newly plowed field if they are lucky and receive permission from the owner.
He guides the search for anything edible, standing taller than his years, marching proudly at the head of his army,
carrying his responsibilities squarely on his shoulders.
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Linking up with Jim and Corrine from Reflections Enroute for their Weekend Travel Inspiration -Develop a Sympathy. Jim and Corrine are excellent travelers and bloggers, and I totally enjoy and recommend their travelblog! Of course, just because Jim’s my brother doesn’t make me very partial… ok, maybe a little! ♥♥♥ ;^)

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