Running With the Wild

Running With the Wild By Dane Smith-Johnsen It was back in the year 1963, Among horses wild and free; -- Many manes and tails untamed by the breeze Were seen dashing past dunes without trees. And the horses remained under cobalt skies Lacking fear of nature or man. They were wanting and I was wanting. To run freely on the land, And we felt with a soul that was deeply honed. I and those horses so free— Understanding all between God and delight. Dreaming and running, we. Some cowboys, out there distantly riding, Heedless of horses and me; -- Hot! Summer's season (as all men know, In the desert sands out west.) The heat that blazed down from the sun, burning Soon sent sunburned riders away. But our wanting was stronger by far than the heat. That drove countless others away-- Seemingly much wiser than we- But scorching rays from the heavens above, Nor the desert lands without trees. Could dissuade the wanting in me Oh, dream of my ride filled with love. Bareback, clutching his mane, wind-songs running wildly sing Of all dreams that were ever in me-- Not one was as lovely as this- Reckoning the forces of reasons discourse. Nor realities wisdom could see, For never had ever my soul felt the force. Of this wonderful unity, we: -- Now, the memories bring to heart wonderful dreams. Of oneness between horses and me; And the thought never leaves but my dream is retrieved. Of the love given ride through the sands; And so, all of my soul, reaches out in the night For the wanting and giving on the wind's bareback flight. In the desert when no one could see— The appaloosa bonded with me. Tell me a story contest entry Sponsored by: Elaine George