Our horses are not young, neither are we.
We negotiate with winter, bartering against
the wind that our horses might have shelter,
might have this small farm to hold them.
We’re hostage to them, more than they are
to us. We make ourselves useful, driving to
town to take jobs caring for others to pay
for the privilege of coming home to care
for our horses, hay through the long night.
On a Sunday in April, front entry locked,
we share a ritual. Leave the dry lot gate
unlatched as we walk to a hidden spot. One
gelding moves to investigate the usual clang
that was not heard, his nose nudges to test
and the gate swings wide. He hurries through,
his neck stretched pulling to the lawn, and the
other horses follow, to special grass so sweet
and thick that the gelding drops down to let his
body feel, grazing as he rests his legs, knowing
we watch. As free as either of us wants to be.
…
Anna Blake for Relaxed & Forward
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Growing old gracefully. We should all strive to appreciate that which is fresh, green & sweet in our worlds. Beautiful post Anne!
Thanks, Sue Ann.
Beautiful, Anna. ..your words especially resonate with me this morning as we enjoyed a remarkably similar day here yesterday (!!!) with the boys sneaking.into back yard……perhaps Bear merely wanted to rest in the lushness of the grass.
Thanks, Sarah. Thinking of you and yours as well as me and mine.
“Growing old gracefully. We should all strive to appreciate that which is fresh, green & sweet in our worlds,” by SA Spinks
Yummy!
I think horses break out around you some, too. Thanks Linda
I so enjoyed this poem, as I did your books, which brought me here. The last line especially touches me as my thoughts have been turning to freedom lately. Thank you.
Me, too. If I was free, I’d be here. Thanks Kathy.
I know just how easy this is to happen! We forgot to close one gate in the pasture & both horses found it. Like 2 little kids, tearing about, bucking, rolling & then eating lawn grass as fast as they could, knowing that soon we would discover them. When we did and then tried to get them back in the pasture, they ran chasing each other, throwing their necks & acting goofy. For the next several days, they went right to the gate as soon as they were turned out, hoping we had left it open again.
Spring break; mares gone wild. Yay for them, Thanks Susan
“As free as either of us wants to be”
Oh my, how true! Love this so much. ❤️
Thanks, Gail. Me, too.
Stolen moments always the sweetest.
Oh, yes. Aren’t they? Thanks, Annie
Really hit home and much needed at this time.
Thank you, Jennifer.