Alone in the sky, her broad wings create
their own horizon, as she dips one edge
for a soaring arc that ignores property
lines, her prairie without boundaries. Too
high to be hunting, does she glory in her
body, coursing on the air on this warm winter
day? Her massive body as dense and black
as her head and tail are white, translucent in
the sunlight, impossibly high yet stark across
the blue sky. We shade our eyes, suspended
helpless in our wonder, squinting to keep her
in our sight, to hold her with our longing. She
sees us, too, rooted to the sandy ground. We
have nothing she needs, lifting wings to fly
on but, then she tips her opposite wing, one
last soaring arc; her beautiful indifference.
(Video Credit: Bethany Geiger)
…
Anna Blake at Infinity Farm
Want more from this horse trainer who writes poetry? Join us at The Barn, our online training group with video sharing, audio blogs, live chats with Anna, and so much more. Or go to annablake.com to subscribe for email delivery of this blog, see the Clinic Schedule, or ask a question about the art and science of working with horses.
WOW! I sure hope this one is included in the next book, Anna!
Thanks, Jean. Working on it…
Always a miracle.
Always. Thanks, Jan.
To be above it all…pea green with envy but as it should be for the winged ones…
It never bores me… Thanks, Lynell.
“Suspended helpless in wonder”, I’m with you Anna. Every time they soar above my head in the pasture, sometimes close enough to see the detail of their yellow talons; I think what a privilege it is to witness their majesty. I also think about all the people who never witness such miracles first hand. This direct connection to nature and moments like these help to balance some of the more difficult moments associated with caring for this property and it’s equine inhabitants.
Yes. Often I think it’s birds that cross that line between “domestic” and wild. Usually to build nests in the rafters. This is a whole other thing. Thanks Laurie.