I have ridden the hard horse.
The one who bucks and kicks,
The one who bites and thrashes,
The one who cannot be gentled.
I have loved the hard horse.
The one who balks at the saddle,
The one who chomps at the bit,
The one who throws me off time and again…
And just when I think that I’ll give up,
I’ll resign never to ride again…
There is a glimmer of affection,
A bowing to trust…
Between a man and his horse
A tug at the intimate relationship
Rises up to begin anew
After bruises and broken bones
begin to heal.
I have ridden the wild horse
And I have tamed him…I think for now.
I have taught him to love me.
I have taught him to trust me.
I have taught him to come home
for food and affection, and sugary treats.
But still he balks and rebels,
He neighs and stomps his hooves in the dirt.
But I have ridden the hard horse…
Lasted through the years of challenge and refusals.
I have tamed the wild horse,
And now, the wild horse has tamed me.
(First published 12/11/13)
