Shy little scrawny
knock-kneed girl
finds brio

on the back of a big grey
mare, falls in love
with the warm animal

musk that clings
to her hands and jeans
from the barn, bits

of hay stuck in her hair,
remnants of soft
dusty beast’s breath.  

She feels kinship
with any creature
who would not deny this

world is terrifying
sometimes — she, too, spooks
at her own shadow.

But sensitive beings
are extraordinary
in strength. The horse

teaches her to carry
heavy things
with unmatched grace.