Horse and rider

To lean forward in the saddle,
the reins slackened for a while,

to lean forward towards its ear,
its ear concerned with more immediate things,

across the muscled, tendoned neck
so much more a neck than human neck

with the urge to whisper some unformulated words
arising beyond a language, in the heart,

concerning some so briefly,
so deeply now perceived

of some equality hidden in humility
holding horse and rider

in some ancient bond of trust,
perhaps of love.

poem by Michael Shepherd
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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