Shepherds Awake
by
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Uncle Peter held the rope loosely in his one hand. He made an extra loop around the singletree in case the mules moved too fast for the sheep. The wagon had been ready since sunup, covered with a tarp to keep dust and flies off the barrel of apples and the sacks of dried beans and rice that Cotton packed, the jerky, corn meal, and two jugs each of molasses and whiskey both Cotton and Uncle Peter wanted, the tobacco and box of shells and Remington rifle Uncle Peter didn’t shoot anymore but wanted to take just to give an air of authority to the trip: “Else why would two men and 150 sheep and four mules and a horse be working across the country? Unless they had a gun to at least show they were settlers, not just farmers on a Sunday outing.”
“You still intend to work the sheep on Sundays?” Father asked.
Uncle Peter looked at Father. “I intend to help you carry out your pledge to Lieutenant Harrison and his wife.”
“We shall start along in another three weeks. Are you certain you and Cotton have the way in mind?”
“No certain needed, John,” Cotton said. “These maps John Dark Sky made follow the barge canal and the rivers.”
“Yes,” Father said, “but it does not show where to stop and rest the sheep and yourselves.”
“The sheep are restless. They’ll thrive as they move.” Uncle Peter tapped his hat down lower on his forehead.
“And where will you and Cotton rest?” Father asked, ignoring Uncle Peter’s assessment of the sheep.
”Wherever the Hudson and the Mohawk and the other rivers and creeks join. That’s where the grasses will be lush. We’ll rest there.”
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About the Book
First-time author David Sarles writes of a 19th century sheep drive across New York State, through the upper Midwest, and into Wisconsin. John Stiles—the father, his son Jesse, and their fellow sheep herders are fictitious; however, they encounter historical events of the time the nation was at war. Jesse, the narrator, and his friend Moses experience the nation’s growing pains first hand.
About the Author
In his studies and teaching, David Sarles edited and published in several high school and college literary magazines. He is an avid distance runner, a fisherman, and a singer. His writing space looks out on a tidal creek, where he and his wife, Evie, leave footprints on evening beach walks.