Classic Poem

Late at night I saw the shepherd
Toiling slow along the hill.
With a smile of joy and patience,
Facing night winds strong and chill.
In his arms and in his bosom
Lay the lambs content and still.

When the day broke, from the valley
I looked up and saw no more
Of the patient, smiling shepherd
I had seen the night before;
But new mounds along the hillside
Lay in sunshine, frozen hoar!