Handshake

The hooves that thundered on the roof,
An awful sound to hear;
And when the mighty steeds arrived,
My heart was gripped with fear.

The horses black as ebony,
A chariot in tow,
A fearsome rider held the reins;
I had no place to go.

The horseman’s face a scowling mask,
So clearly in command;
But racked with pain, I smiled relief
And gladly took his hand.

I will not see the light again;
But here with Death, I feel no pain.

Jack Horne for Gail’s Crossroads contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012


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Date: 4/19/2013 5:07:00 PM
Death seems not so bad, with someone grabbing your hand--I like to go, too, so maybe that will be the way it happens, thoughtful poem Jack
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Date: 2/15/2013 10:38:00 AM
Awesome write! This is really good, as always, Jack. I'm adding this to my Favs. List. Y
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Date: 11/15/2012 11:51:00 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Gail's "Standing At A Crossroad" contest Jack. Love, Carol
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Date: 11/11/2012 10:42:00 AM
Jack, another wonderful win.. congrats... PD
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Date: 11/11/2012 12:52:00 AM
A sobering yet well put write here that you have done Harry.."
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Date: 11/10/2012 8:57:00 AM
Hi jack having problems leaving comments... in case this go through, congrats brilliant poem...
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Date: 11/10/2012 7:12:00 AM
Well done Jack, congratulations....Seren
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Date: 11/10/2012 3:59:00 AM
Congratulations Jack, loved this when you posted xx
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Date: 11/9/2012 11:32:00 PM
This horse was a winner! Well done
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Date: 11/9/2012 8:37:00 PM
CONGRATS JACK ON A STELLAR WRITE AND WIN MY FRIEND .. HOPE U R DOING WELL .. WE R STILL PLAYING TAG WITH POWER OFF AND ON FOR DAYS NOW BUT GRATEFUL ALL R SAFE LUV..
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Date: 11/9/2012 4:10:00 PM
Hi Jack, I see below you have lost your Dad and I want to say how sorry I am. This kind of loss is so hard to accept no matter how much we know it's coming. I know you must have wonderful memories. Also, your wrote a great poem that reminds me so much of the "headless horseman". Takecare my friend. Love, Elizabeth
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Date: 11/7/2012 2:01:00 PM
Oh Jack, this is an amazing poem, grieve has inspired your poetry, I hope you are coping. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Constance
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Date: 11/5/2012 4:51:00 PM
Dear Jack, Sounds like you've had a terrible tragedy. I wish you peace. Like Sara said I hear my much admired Dickinson here. Your last stanza is a stunning relief to the dark foreboding pace of the carriage horses. Pain and fear finally gone. A beautiful piece of poetry. love, Kathy
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Date: 11/5/2012 3:36:00 PM
wow, Jack, you took your father's passing and made a very good poem here. bless you and your family. this one was truly inspired.
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Date: 11/5/2012 2:12:00 PM
Come sweet death, eh. I love the happy ending to your nightmare. Love, daver
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Date: 11/5/2012 5:17:00 AM
This one is a winner..It reminds me of Emily Dickinson but your very own creation..Enjoyed reading this morn..Thanks for the visits to my work..Your presence is always uplifting..Sara
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Date: 11/5/2012 3:58:00 AM
Hey there Jack just wanted to send my regards and also sympathizewith your dad's passing. Hope you and your family are doing okay, lfde Wilma
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Date: 11/5/2012 2:56:00 AM
Hi Jack this is great.... Thanks for your comments, ha ha I see you still read the one 3xs in an hour. Will be thinking of you and the family Thurs xx
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Date: 11/4/2012 10:43:00 PM
SO WONDERFUL TO SEE U BACK JACK LUV .. A STUNNIN G ENTRY FOR GAIL AS EMOTIONS RUN HIGH AND DEEP .. WINNING WISHES .. MAY U FIND PEACE NOW KNOWING DAD HAS FOUND HIS .. THANKXX WE R ALL RECOVERING FROM SANDY AND A NOR'EASTER IS BARRELLING OUR WAY FOR WEDNS. ..RON HAS BEEN FEARLESS AND OUR ROCK ..HE SAYS HI LUV ..
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Date: 11/4/2012 6:25:00 PM
We all do our best to maintain a safe distance from this fellow but eventually we will all be caught. It seems unfair that he has the benefit of horses.
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Date: 11/4/2012 5:30:00 PM
This is so very perfect for the contest Jack, I am in awe with the power of this write my friend! I originally thought this was a nightmare about Santa Clause, ha ha, but then I read on and figured out what you were up to! I really enjoyed reading this phenomenal poem this evening! What a fabulous piece, Great Work!!
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Date: 11/4/2012 1:58:00 PM
Powerful read....
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Date: 11/4/2012 1:48:00 PM
Very sonnetesque! A sonnet in ballad meter why not! [Smokey's back in the house, he came in about 11 pm that evening after I yelled myself hoarse! Thanks for worrying over us!] Light & Love
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Date: 11/4/2012 1:11:00 PM
Wonderful poem, Jack! Really splendid!!! Terry
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