The Horse

As I gazed into the depths of your deep brown eyes
I see the wariness and the curiosity
You can't help yourself; it's in your nature
Grace and power, and the courage of your spirit
You can rise above the fear that is inherent in your soul
Can you trust me? Will I hurt you? What do I want?
I see the questions flashing through your mind

But I come to you with respect, and the understanding of who you are
Will you tell me your secrets? Can I discover your mysteries?
I want to express the kindness of my heart
You who will give so much for so little, some shelter and a little food
I will provide these needs for you my equine friend,
And for this meager agreement you'll submit your free will
This humble promise I will keep to you,
The task of foraging for yourself will now be my concern
So if you will be my friend, you will find a friend in me
And I will always respect your Great Spirit

In the blood you carry, lie the memories of your lives
When you were an exalted member of the royal family
Spending Arabian nights in the tent of your master,
Or the voyage of crossing great oceans in the holds of Spanish galleons
The wildness of the American plains, and the wars fought between men
Your part was played, your trials fulfilled,
The memories of what came before, the centuries of an old soul
As the swiftness of your foot came from the generations of runners before you
Whose bold strides mark the champions of your proud history

Yes this is what I see in the depths of your eyes
Some may see a strong beautiful creature but I see so much more
Where the past meets the present, and the future that may lie ahead
The sweet dusky scent of you reminds me of so many others
Your haunch and quarter round and firm, the slope of the shoulder sturdy and fixed
Legs straight and true, as you stand with the look of eagles
Yes I have known you before in many lifetimes
For here we are, as our paths cross again
Your muzzle searches for the carrots I offer,
As you and I begin our dance once more