“The Shepherd’s Rest: A Villanelle on Psalm 23” draws from Psalm 23:1-2, celebrating God as the shepherd who guides all souls to peace. The villanelle’s repeating refrains evoke a universal journey through life’s trials—want, fear, and shadows—where God’s presence ensures no lack. Green pastures and still waters symbolize divine rest, freely offered to humanity across ages. Despite weariness or danger, His rod, staff, and mercy lead to refuge, affirming that every heart can find solace in His unchanging promise. The poem underscores trust and comfort, inviting all to abide in the shepherd’s care, reflecting the shared longing for divine guidance.

The Lord, my shepherd, bids my soul to rest,
Through weary lands where want may cast its shade,
In pastures green, His peace shall be my guest.

No lack I know, though trials may infest,
His rod and staff uphold the path He made—
The Lord, my shepherd, bids my soul to rest.

By waters still, my fears are all repressed,
His gentle hand has every debt repaid—
In pastures green, His peace shall be my guest.

When shadows fall, His mercy is expressed,
No heart need wander, lost or sore afraid—
The Lord, my shepherd, bids my soul to rest.

All souls may find the refuge He professed,
In every age, His promise shall not fade—
In pastures green, His peace shall be my guest.

O humankind, by grace forever blessed,
Walk where His love has living waters laid—
The Lord, my shepherd, bids my soul to rest,
In pastures green, His peace shall be my guest.