Robes of Red

Said the merchant to the shepherd:

"It must be dreadful to be poor.

With only sheep for company,

Don't you ever wish for more?

Look at all my finery,

My jewels and threads of gold.

My satin, silk, soft long robes,
And woven colors bold."

"I'm more rich than you think, my friend."

The shepherd humbly said.

"I have pearls and jewels as well

And robes of deepest red."

"Ha!" The merchant scoffed.

"Well, I know you are in jest,

For if you had such things,

You'd wear them like the rest!"

The shepherd then smiled softly

And said "Come, follow me."
He started down a path,
Then looked back, beckoning.

At first the merchant laughed

But he saw the shepherd's eyes

Were serious and calm

And strangely, somehow wise.

Together they walked down the path.

Until they came upon 

A meadow fresh with morning's dew

Sparkling in the sun.

"Behold my pearls," the shepherd said.

The man gazed at the sight.

The beaded dew was beautiful.

So small and yet so bright.

Together they walked further

To a large grove of trees.

The leaves shone with vibrancy

A luminous, deep green.

"Look, emeralds,"said the shepherd.

The merchant  struck with awe

Agreed, "Indeed!" He said.

Amazed at what he saw.

"Look above." The shepherd  said.

"And see the threads of gold

Woven in a robe of blue

So brilliant and so bold."

The merchant looked and saw the sky,

The sun was going down.

The atmosphere was tinged with gold

Much like a misty crown.

"Come here and I'll show you,

My robes of deepest red."

He led him to a rose bush

And then the shepherd said,

"These roses are so delicate

But the thorns have pierced my head.

I gave this beauty, and my life.
So you could live again."

The merchant then fell to his knees

Before the Holy Being.

"Forgive me Lord, for all my wrongs.

You truly are a King."