prelude

dogs patrol the perimeter
of the flock
sheep bleat, content to feed
on tufts of grass
daylight begins to fade

the campfire sparks and crackles
flames leap up,
lick the meat, as blood and juice
  hiss and drip
  into the fire

a figure in the distance draws near
        dogs bark wildly and then silence

the shepherd is pleased, it is his brother
-Rest my brother; put down your burden
  warm yourself beside the fire.-         
       
shadows grow long

the shepherd checks the fire
-Night is approaching,
   you must be hungry.
  Sit and share my meal,
  for what is mine is yours.-
 
-Yes, what is yours is mine.-
the brother replies as his club smashes
the shepherd’s head, the body slumps,
a pool of blood seeps into the ground
        
sheep bleat, content to feed
on tufts of grass
dogs patrol the perimeter
darkness falls