Fences

FENCES

Dropped from your dam in the lingering dew,
Struggle and stand in the ripening morn.
Suckle her love in a world made anew;
Witness the wonder to which you are born.

Green is the pasture, gentle and bright,
Safe by her side, with a world to explore.
Eager your hooves are, so nimble and light;
And you jump into life - and are hungry for more.

Gallop in glory, the pride of your power,
Sporting and sparring your fellows in fun;
Laughing and larking, for life is in flower,
And love is a prize to be gallantly won.

But now for the fairest your heart is afire;
You rage at your rival with fury ablaze;
Trample and triumph and win your desire,
And you jump into love - and a heavenly haze.

Sobered and saddled with doubts and with duties,
Trot in your track now, and blinker your eyes:
Colts may still quarrel and brawl for their beauties:
Peace is the paradise wished by the wise.

Weary you now in a wilderness wander,
Heavy your hooves are, frail and forlorn;
Black the abyss is, now yawning up yonder,
And you jump -