Rojo
by Amy Thompson

Gates squeak, scrape
terrified and trembling
as hoofs stomp; galloping
this way and that.
My eyes shut so tight
veins highlighted in the sun.
Circling around me,
snorts and sneezes;
he is beside me.
Nuzzles me.
My hand clenches.
I freeze.
Imagine flight.
I stay; letting the nibbles
awaken my slumber.
A sob escapes my throat—
so deep, I shake.
Rojo stays by my side,
leans into me
hard and fast.
Knocked off balance,
I let go,
lean deeply into the muscle
of the beast
reach for his mane
follow down his body
to his belly—
my hand rests.
our hearts beat together.
Gasps and laughter
wash away my fear.
The girls have circled us.
They bear witness
to my saving from sorrow.

Return to Poetry Page