Riding Lessons

 

She came with a light girl, confidant girl, visitors

to our paddock.  She did not want to touch me but

the girl rode round and round and I let

it seem she was in charge.  Then Julie patted

my neck and the girl brushed me down

and my sawdust was soft and sweet.

 

When Julie came back alone her clothes

were from the gift shop, so stiff, so new.

Trainer McKenzie taught her tack

and how to sit; she barely breathed.

I felt her fear.  Round and round

McKenzie lead us in the livery yard.

 

Her first dismount was luck; the second

was a fall.  But week by week her muscles

grew.  She learned to trust.  I learned her voice,

her hands that stroked and drew my hair

in lines.  We ride outside.  I give her rein

these afternoons.  She’s just about broken in.

 

—-

[prompt: Write a poem about an experience, but from the perspective of another.]