The Ride

To Pepsi, the best horse I ever rode.

By Ann Chiappetta

forge the stream On docile

chestnut Appaloosa. Hooves

splash and click on  submerged stones

this is big country air crisp and wild

A split trail. Guide points

“Mountain lion won’t look for you there. You got two hours, follow the stream to get back,”

 

Horse and rider   brush Past weeping willows and wildflowers.

A light shake of reins, a tap of heels

Trot, canter, galloping

horse jumps. clears mud puddle

rider  flies,

lands with a wet plop

on back, breathless

warm breath,  big nose nuzzles face

mud splattered Eyes open

soft  equine gaze says,

“Hey, let’s finish the ride,”

 

Lake Tahoe, Nevada September  1980