Rufus Boy! Poem by Nkululeko Mdudu

Rufus, Rufus running wild.
Herds and birds all scatter' round.
When his mane and boarding fleas
And feet barely touch the ground

Whirlwinds running through his eyes,
Only visions does he see
Were his step a little quicker
Then a rabit he would be.

Rackety, rackety go his hooves
Beating with them, days gone by:
Riffle; Rocket… Rufus now
Together breathing a heavy sigh

Arching backs were made for saddles;
Or maybe saddles made them bend.
Our spirits free to run and fly,
Riding Rufus has no end.

On arrival at the kraal
Mother sweeps while father strokes
His grey beard as he recalls,
Days when horses knew their folks.

“My son, ” he says, “welcome home”
Testimonies spoke’ by sweat.
Herds of cattle in the kraal;
Rufus’ footsteps won’t forget.