I am the work horse. I am old but I am not broken.
There have been many carefree years of exploring the farm and the woods beyond. My riders on my back, guiding me were their interests’ lye. We see simple things. Animals, birds, a stream winding it’s way through the woods. This is not part of our farm, but a life of a different kind. The same needs, food and a home, but their own fences, keeping them in their paradise, away from our farm. They do not know us, and do not trespass in the light of day.
Proud to wear the saddle, I wore it like a fine hat. There is no time to explore anymore. Now work to be done, I wear a harness instead of a saddle, the farm must be tilled, it’s boarders expanded. The harness and collar was stiff and uncomfortable when it was new. I didn’t like it, but over the years it has taken on the shape of my shoulders. The collar still doesn’t look any different, but I wear it well.
The children see my age. The new horizons they wish to explore require the sure footed skill of a young horse. They remember fondly the trails we found together, but they do not trust that I am capable of finding and returning them from their new ventures.
My back is bowed. I return to the barn, tired from the days work. I run. Try to arch my back. Become the stallion I once was. I feel fresh and alive! Ready for a ride, anyone anywhere!
My reward is a longer day in the field. My owner is happy. With the prosperity of the farm, she found a new horse to add to the stable. They wander off to the trails. Were will they go, what will they see?
The harness I wear is old and will not last much longer. I am waiting. Will it break when I am in the field? I do not need a rider to find the hills of sweet grass. The farm will go on without me. The new horse can wear the harness. Only age separates us. Is that everything, the only thing?
If I run, they cannot catch me. But is the grass as sweet as I remember? Will the forest protect me? Or should I find a new owner to feed me grain, keep me fat, and let me be satisfied with new trails to explore?
Unknown "spirited" Adored
- 16 years, 1 month, 13 days ago
