“Did you see that?
What’s that about?
The weirdest thing
without a doubt!
A whole platoon
of wandering bipeds
with shoulders sloped
and downcast eyelids,
shuffling herd-like
mindless of where
they’ve been or are going —
a species unaware!”
“And yet,” said the other,
“they seem so content,
not seeing or hearing
but inwardly bent.
And what’s in their ears?
What manner of being
walks in the world
without hearing or seeing?
They seem in a trance
group-walking asleep,
following each other —
and they say WE are sheep!”
Linked to Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge
with thanks to the same Dan for the photo.
Oddments 
May 30, 2025 at 11:50 am
Maureen, I loved this photo when Dan posted it, and now I love it more with your clever, whimsical poem. You are such a gifted wordsmith. If we humans were in a contest with sheep on who was the most alert, observant, and could think for themselves, the sheep would win hands down.
Ginger 🦋
May 30, 2025 at 11:56 am
I’m afraid you are right, Ginger! I too loved this photo, but then I’ve loved all Dan’s photos from Old Sturbridge Village. I really like the way he caught the sheep in apparent conversation, and I’m quite sure they were marveling at the strangeness of people! Thanks!
May 30, 2025 at 12:07 pm
You came pretty close to reality on this one, Maureen. This “pen” is in a relative bare spot on the grounds, and lots of people were checking their phones. I think Faith and I were the only ones hoping to visit the sheep. I think they know how cute they are and they don’t understand why people aren’t lined up to pet them.
May 30, 2025 at 12:42 pm
My guess is that there are lots of things they don’t understand about people! I can only shake my head that this came so close to reality. I’m so glad you caught these two in that moment!
May 30, 2025 at 8:56 pm
They were adorable. We couldn’t resist.
May 30, 2025 at 12:22 pm
Dr Doolittle approved! Don’t you wonder what the animals think as we walk by? Now we know. They really nailed us, too–eyes downward, shoulders sloped, and those damn earbuds!
May 30, 2025 at 12:45 pm
There’s no denying what a weird bunch of primates we are! Yes, I do wonder sometimes what the other animals are thinking, but then, on the other hand, do I really want to know? Thanks, Lois!
May 30, 2025 at 1:19 pm
Fantastic 👏
May 30, 2025 at 1:23 pm
Thanks, Robbie!
May 30, 2025 at 3:35 pm
I love the photo!
May 30, 2025 at 5:32 pm
So do I!
May 30, 2025 at 11:28 pm
You made me laugh Maureen–because it’s so true. Often I’m the only person on my subway car not hunched over my device (including children…) (K)
May 31, 2025 at 12:44 am
I am ever perplexed by all the people walking and looking down with not a thought about where they’re going. Or whether they’re about to walk smack into me. It’s so weird!
May 31, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Yes, even when crossing the street! I wonder what’s so fascinating about those screens–I don’t see it.
May 31, 2025 at 2:40 pm
Me neither. Maybe we were issued boring phones.
May 31, 2025 at 10:56 pm
That must be it.
May 31, 2025 at 12:44 am
Love the image and the poem!
May 31, 2025 at 12:49 am
Thanks! I too loved the image.
May 31, 2025 at 10:26 am
Years ago when we traveled to Ireland, one of the most fun parts was seeing and watching the sheep move about. I remember different farmers would spray paint a line down their back so they knew who belonged to who as a flock moved down the road together. Quite a sight so your lovely words brought a smile.
May 31, 2025 at 12:27 pm
How interesting about the Irish sheep! It would be lovely to be in Ireland watching sheep. Thanks for that!