They seem to be thinking, soft-eyed, snuffling, cropping,
ears awake to many signals,
then move gently closer,
as if they were unaware,
rub muzzles, necks,
love each other silently, almost imperceptibly,
move away again as gently;
solitude in company may hide
what we do not hear; what we do not think
the battle horse long retired
so skilled in life and death,
proud of many battles
he and his master as one
swords flashing, leaning sharply
this way that way
rearing for height flail smashed down
backward now spear and charge
a marriage sealed in blood
his master’s life saved many times
the packhorse ridden in haste
through dangerous lands
with despatches that may
signal the start to war, or
sue for peace
its rider impatient to thoughtlessness
the horses of the range
sharing the wild vigour
of cowboys, pioneers,
breathing the air
of a new country
themselves once wild
knowing the hills, the herbs, more than their masters
the racehorse proud we think
to test itself, share the victory,
then at stud, to share its line
knowing perhaps in blood,
aristocracy; or not, who knows,
they do indeed look quietly proud
the family stable horses, knowing
the love of boys, of girls,
besotted with their ponies,
talked to endlessly; too many sugar cubes
the tradesmen’s horses,
the ploughmen’s horses,
who have learned more patience,
more obedience, than many
of their masters yet
tended well, most times
by those who need them
more than they say; but
how the children of those
they visit, run from the house,
loving to see them again
like old friends
all remember, maybe communicate;
we hope they know - or would it make them sad -
that they too had their golden age.
what a beautiful tribute to those noble animals....sad to say I seldom get to see horses....I know what I am missing...best wishes....Vallerie
Mankind makes the mistake of thinking that he is the only one who can 'speak, ' and it is a joy to see these beautiful animals 'talking' to each other. Lovely.
Your parade of different horses as they communnicate in some way with each other is a comforting pastoral image, Michael. And your bit of philosophy at the end about their 'golden age' made me nod. Raynette
Nice one Michael. What other pet would you keep for a few years, then sell on for a bigger model? The harsh lessons of the Pony Club mentality, but the new horse arrives this Saturday! Danny
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Your first verse describes so clearly the two horses I pass each morning walking my dog. 'loving each other almost imperceptibly'. This stanza would make a poem of itself, but you have given the reader so much more... Clearly drawn images, lovely on the ear, with the last verse rounding off these pictures in a satisfying cadence. love, Allie xxxxx