To my Freedom
To my Freedom,
I first saw you
eyes troubled and body worn
but her spirit and age like new
so many failed before
but your fire was never torn
I first felt the same
your coat like the sun
a mane that put great blazes to shame
I say to you, my freedom, my flame:
"Release your majestic mind, my Freedom
for no man will strike you
or make you feel numb,
but please my Freedom.
Lend me your wings
your reliable hooves,
your powerful back,
and I will give you my heart."
I first felt you accept me
with that soft sigh
trauma you forever bid goodbye.
Together we overcame
oxars, hedges, logs galore!
You pawed your mighty hoof
and pranced electrified!
"I will win!" you told me.
When I told you to wait you sighed,
and when I loosened my reins
they only thing spectators saw
was a blazing red hide
flames dancing behind!
I first saw you
struggling to lift your weight
when you would lay and wait.
Eyes troubled and body worn,
but not like the first time.
Fire in your eyes
determination in your gut
even at your age, but
you looked at me,
and you told me:
"Release me, my Freedom
I am tired and weak
my pain now keeps me from sleep.
You must do what must be done
for this last battle can not be won.
Please my Freedom.
Lend me your strength.
For, now I must rest.
your love for me must stand the test."
I accepted what you told me
and watched you.
I held your head in my lap
under that oak tree
and stroked your mane as you slipped away.
...
So still you now lay.
A piece of me went with you
when my Freedom passed that day.
*Dedicated to my first horse*