Reflections of boyhood horse rides upon the farm
homeward bound when we turned the horses head
The thundering of hooves as we galloped on the flat
the joys of pretending we were jockeys on a bay mare thoroughbred
The eyes were full of water
as the horse galloped, creating rushing air
Could also feel the turbulence
as it ruffled up the hair
We are coming close to home
we're full speed up a hill
Can hear the rapid breathing of the horse
Exhilaration! Another ride, never tire of the thrill
Suddenly our destination, we dismount
remove the saddle and bridle from the mare
She is relieved as she rolls from side to side upon the earth
Many riding stories throughout childhood I could share
when moonbeams intrude
on edge of a graphite night—
my pulse feels a rush
Sunlight on warm skin,
Laughter rings, a gentle breeze,
Heart's quiet, full bloom.
©bfa032325
hill so kissed by clouds
invites trekking adventure
while apex beckons…
welcoming summit
quenches thirst with waterfalls
thus enthralling heart…
midst thick canopies
muddy trails lead along rocks
as trees waft cool breeze…
soaring toward crest
surmounting hilly challenge
victor’s faith ascends…
hill* top grand delight
makes me thank God’s might.
*Psalm 68:16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.
March 15, 2023
1st place, "Haiku Sonnet" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Joanna Daniel; judged on 6/12/2023
snowy mountains glow
along springs* bubbling God's warmth
macaques soak themselves
*Psalm 104:10 He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.
January 17, 2022
1st place, "A STRAND (1055)" Poetry Writing Contest
Sponsored by Brian Strand; judged on 1/20/2022.
Edited on January 21, 2021
Yesterday we had our vaccination,
Developed no hallucinations
And certainly no indications
Of symptoms, as per some perceptions
Feel good we had this vaccination
Giving us some protection,
Was over in a second, no hallucinations,
Or contra indications.
Arm was painful, no more or less, a revelation
2nd phase Pfeizer, need no persuasion
Indeed, a definite exuberant exhilaration,
So many hundreds in the queue, a true illumination.
My heart felt such intense satisfaction,
So many people in line for vaccination
Which is for ours and your protection
Have not a single reservation.
Have this much researched safe vaccination,
One must not tarry, pay great attention
3.5 million people that have died since Covid 19’s inception,
Weigh up the odds, one should have no objection!
Rapidly down the mountainside,
The pure powdery snow spraying!
Nearer to vast sapphire skies,
And long ere a perplexed purple.
Bracing winds travel from afar,
And carelessly tousle the hair,
Long after the mists of orange,
In the treasured golden noon,
On the other side of the moon!
Enormous speeds are attained,
As wild laughter is trailing,
Like a first trip on ocean blue,
And the view from the railing.
Side to side in and out of trees,
Snow sprinkled, sunlit emeralds.
This could be the meaning of free,
Racing the wind no cares behind me!
Exhilaration grips my heart with thrills
Vibrant colors, alive and filled with light
Energizing sparks laugh as my heart stills
Glistening like stars burning through the night
Vibrant colors, alive and filled with light
Caressing my soul with a kind solace
Glistening like stars burning through the night
Glowing in soft beams of hues so flawless
Caressing my soul with a kind solace
Energizing sparks laugh as my heart stills
Glowing in soft beams of hues so flawless
Exhilaration grips my heart with thrills
Fireworks Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Eve Roper
December 29, 2020
In the corner of a hillside cave
Upon a rocky outcrop laid
A crown of soothing wishes made
With sacred vows that she once gave.
And ancient prayers of whispered grace
Still waited with such patient calm
To touch our heart, to take our arm
To walk with us through misted lace.
So far away their voices told
In choral Celtic overtones
Of star cast stones and ancient bones
And memories they forever hold.
A priestess in so many ways
Of trees and streams and come to be’s
Of softly sighing rune cast seas
And most of all, of blessed days.
In glades of soft Celtic creation
A whispering tree, a fluttering bird
So many prayers there, though unheard
Yet oh such sweet exhilaration…
The light in your heart
will guide your way forever....
never fear shadows.
© Harry J Horsman 2011
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