My horse smelt of dust and hay.
Strongly so, even on such a cold winter morning.
I leaned in to soak it up, my hand gliding down his strong neck and whispered my hello.
My father had already tightened his saddle and after jostling with the reins and bit, I led my horse out of the stable to meet his.
Our breath competed for clouds hitting the chilled tight air.
One hop and pull and I was up.
As high as Dad.
We decide to take our time that morning, traversing through the forest.
Loose armed and legs hanging lazily off the sides of our safe treading animals.
We headed down to the river, knowing it would be deserted in this weather and took lefts and rights off forked paths that lead into valleys.
And we talked.
We talked about my schoolwork,
all the things I wished to be
and the things he’d wish for me.
When we hit the thick fog at the bank of the river and felt the earth soft under the hooves, he turned to me with a slight tilt of the head.
“Let’s race it to the end!”
My heartbeat accelerated even before my horse did and I dug my heels into it’s flanks to shock it out of it’s trance, my fists clenched tightly into it’s mane
and off
we
were.
The ice in the wind roughened up my cheeks to a crisp red and demanded tears from my eyes that travelled back and out of my face, mingling with my hair flailing wildly behind me.
I thought about the advantages I had over my father.
Just a small girl with new legs, still strong and determined.
I thought of how proud he would be to see me pull up and take charge,
headstrong into the bitter,
the cold,
the destination,
ahead,
ahead,
ahead.
To the end of this freak scene.
Of how he would be able to loosen his reins with a smile, seeing me so far ahead of him.
But I got lost in the moment.
Let the beast beneath me take me for it’s own ride.
Listened closely
to it’s tremor,
it’s breath,
it’s beat.
I closed my eyes and smiled.
Intoxicated with the rhythm,
the speed,
the smells,
the scenery.
And when I opened them again,
I realized with a sinking heart.
I was never quite able to catch up with him.
Yasemin Sumner, 5 days ago
Our breath competed for clouds hitting the chilled tight air.
this is only one of the lines giving me goosebumps and smiles…the most powerful piece I’ve seen of yours, yet. beautiful work from you.
Paul Compton, 5 days ago
Oh, simply gorgeous. What a poignant and wonderful ending! I felt this had a lot of honesty in it. Bravo Jessica.
~ Ryan ~, 5 days ago
This is so beautiful Jessica .. the metaphor of life .. the journey …
Erin Lyall, 5 days ago
Wow I can’t wait until the next time I go riding, I love the way you described it, Jess.. you really did it justice.
deliriousgirl, 5 days ago
So exquisitely written, such a raw edged truth, just absolutely wonderful!
Metamorphosis, 5 days ago
very emotive and beautiful….the desriptions are amazing Jessica… so many images… i agree with Deliriousgirl- so exquisitely written.
Doug Thost, 5 days ago
To my shame, I admit I have never ridden on/with a horse. But after reading this jessica, I kinda feel I have. A beautiful poem, and like Paul, I loved the ending too.
LisaG, 5 days ago
Thank you for the ride, Jess – how liberating…..I’m with Erin, I can’t wait to go riding…
XOXO
Silvia Manuela, 4 days ago
Beautiful, clear, lyrical writing, Jessica, very enjoyable to read.
kossimarsalsa, 4 days ago
lovely, beautiful description of emotions. very clear and accurate ideas. it’s nice to read things as well written as this.
xx
s-a
Trish Cooper, 4 days ago
Amazing writing Jess…you just drew the reader in and took us along for the ride…Fantastic work!!!
Melissa Sampson, 4 days ago
WOW, let me catch my breath!
Rella, 4 days ago
You little ball of talent you…..gorgeous :)
Jessica Tremp in reply to Rella’s comment, 4 days ago
aww..thank you darling. x
Luckyvegetable, 3 days ago
Oh Jess….this is amazing…
I’m so glad I waited to read this. The air is chilly and I’m feeling very dreamy and nostalgic….
happy and sad, too.
I really know what you mean with this…and you put it into words with such honest beauty.
xox
Jeff Burns, about 16 hours ago
OMG this is amazing God you are talented Jessica.
WOW