Where Hadrian built his wall
a garrison of sheep are posted
their heads bow in the evening
slow turning to watch the field.
As they graze, their simple selves
with such kind faces that even
an emperor would do honor
bestowing upon them his gaze.
They love the grassy breezes
blowing back to them, so soft
they are and full of wool they
barely mutter while on patrol.
Content in their sheepish hearts
to roam this frontier near
Milecastle 39 trying not to stray
among the barbarians.
Vindolanda was a Roman frontier fort, built just south of Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland.
Hadrian's Wall