The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Horses and Leather

Excited
when I  got
up I  slipped
into my  jeans    
pulled  on my boots
and grabbed an apple for
each pocket in my jean jacket. 

You watch as I drive up then
immediately start to ignore.
I climb the fence,
sit and take an apple
and start to toss it.
As a sentinel on guard nothing
escapes you.

Beauty in motion you come but then saunter your way closer.

You handsomely muscled beast,
this used to infuriate me
now I simply take a bite from the apple. 
I have your attention,,,ahh come to me my charmer…

I take you to the stable and brush the muck and mire from your wooly coat,
then we start through the meadows.
The affection of the sun,
the beauty of the sky,
the fragrance of grass, 
perfection. 

I know where we’ll end up but indifferent how we get there so
you take the lead through the fields into the woods.
I watch because you are not above 
trying to scrape me off on a tree. 
We leave the woods and full out tear up the hill.

The thunder of your hooves, the sound of
your breath, the chunks of earth flying, can it get any better.

The jet thinks he will win this race but he doesn’t know you.
Both of us out of breath we slow. You so proud and arrogant,
the spirit of your mother alive and well. 

At  the stable I wipe you down and brush you. I love this time with you.
With your head you push me and I reach into my pocket 
and produce the other apple. As I work in the stable and outside
you stay at my shoulder.  

Tomorrow I will not be able to lift my tea pot,
tomorrow I will wince as I climb the stairs,
but today I smell like horses and leather,
the best perfume never made.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Billieux Avatar
March 19, 2009 at 4:06 PM
this captures a truly timeless memory...you can really almost see the ride, and smell the scenery, and feel the breeze...it's beautiful...very nice work
Shango Avatar
March 16, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Wow, passionate and evocative, full of stable imagery that ones inside the vision of the rider. Peace
Richards Avatar
March 13, 2009 at 6:03 PM
PS. I wrote "My Affair" (Page 4 of my poems) about my love for the horses too...Not as dear as yours...silly...but I share the love of those wonderful creatures! :) Another one called "Riding Horses with Dad" . How many do you have? (if they are your own?)
Richards Avatar
March 13, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Wow Laurie..I missed this poem till now!So glad I found it!(you paid me the nicest compliment what you said about being sisters!! I feel that too...and now this poem!!) I grew up with horses...my dad was a trainer, and we had them always right out the back door. Now we have pasture behind, with horses but not our own ...but they are still deep in my soul. That smell,..I drink it in!! Thank you so muchfor all your kind comments. I sent you a soupmail after your last comment on "Lady Kathleen"
Rhinem Avatar
March 11, 2009 at 8:27 AM
I loved this well crafted and wonderfully image filled and lovely story, that I have also read more than once!!! And, believe or not? I love horses!!!~ Again, "You Are Becoming Quite A Gifted Story teller and writer~And I feel very blessed, to view "Your Growing Talent!!!!"~Let us go view one more dear~Love, John!!!:):)
Williams Avatar
March 10, 2009 at 8:53 AM
.... great writing Laurie... wonderfully descriptive and your enjoyment and love comes across in bundles....
Atanacio Avatar
March 7, 2009 at 8:56 AM
wonderfully done, everything clear and of course your love for horses obvious -- and I do believe you smell like an animal one of your best pieces-- honestly :)
Bingham Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I figured Kentuck or Texas, anyway when I was young I was a groom at Riodoso Downs, New Mexico. Loved horses but got away from them, Blessings, Ron
Strand Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 8:23 AM
Great poem Laurie ,reminds me of my days 'hacking out ' with my daughter.Here is the note I posted with the first fulton . This visual poetic form (inspired by the work of the conceptual artist Hamish Fulton's (b 1946) work 'a seven day walk in the mountains Switzerland early summer 1984'. This poetic form has 5 words of 5 letters or 6 words of 6 letters (as above) or 7 words of 7 letters & so on with a pastoral theme.I call this form a FULTON as a tribute to Hamish and his art.Rgds Brian
Kelly Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 5:49 AM
Laurie , what's with the " dang U2 " ?? I cant see Bono , helping you up the stairs , or pouring the tea !!! Perhaps you have the Edge .. OK , we'll forget about Chanel ; let's go for Este Lauther ; sorry , should read Este Leather !!!! ....
Winter Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 5:31 AM
Laurie - is this really true??? I am so seriously jealous! How absolutely wonderful you are able to do this. A write I want to literally jump into and be in, and be there! You are so lucky girl. What a beautiful write. How absolutely freeing to be able to ride, and amidst such beauty. Sigh. I will dream. Love, Shar
Degenhardt Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 5:20 AM
The details in this are amazing and so clear. THe beauty of the horse is perfectly described as your words flow easily. Very well written. Michael
P. Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 5:12 AM
wow the fun you brought in with this piece.. is undoubtedly amazing... some lovely lines in there... 'saunter your way closer'... wow... brilliant... free verse!! ~ Arany
Moreno Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 4:51 AM
Nice free verse Laurie, "The affection of the sun The beauty of the sky, the fragrance of grass," great lines...Raul
Ginn Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 4:35 AM
Dang you two...possibly it's a Kentucky thing lol...
Kelly Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 4:20 AM
Great piece , Laurie ; most unusual !!! Gallop onnnnnnnn ..... Still can't see Chanel , getting involved !!! ...
Higgins Avatar
March 6, 2009 at 4:18 AM
LOL..You handsomely muscled beast...sounds a little freaky to me Laurie..LOL..this is a cool write..love the ending my poetic friend.
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