The Lesson

Sunlight blinding him, Swirling dust choking him. The bronc gyrating Nearly throwing him. Feet braced and pounding, Pounding the ground. Jolting his spin, Up, and again down. His head jerking, Neck snapping, Daylight beneath him, Then SMACK! Down on the back, Of the writhing cayuse. No eight second buzzer. To call the end of the ride. Ignore the pain. Remember the Pride. Sunfish, slam and jerk, Hanging on any way he can. Fighting to win this battle, Between beast and man. The brute gathers his muscles, Leaps over the rail. Running, running, running, Like he’s on freedom’s trail. Sides heaving, legs shaking, The horse slows to a stop. The cowboy turns him homeward, And says, “Now you learn to walk.”