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A Horse Tied to a Tree

by Glenn Currier

Alone he awaits
his final sunset
eagerness drained dry
by a thousand trips on that dusty road
to places with no purpose
only the desires
of farmer now buried
and children now married.

All that's left of memories
are joints aching and back sagging
with the weight
of Johnnie's breathless rendezvous
Papa's panicked run to doc's
afternoon treks to the creek
astride with eager children.

On the yellowed globes of his eyes
pink tributaries etched by obedience
to spurred urgings
and reins worn with turnings
left and right and back home
at days' end.

He is a book of yearnings
a chronicle of departures and arrivals
of dreams dashed and fulfilled
of stories told and bold
of weeping and laughter
by unchosen masters.

He stands there alone
unbound by history
being a horse tied to a tree.

01/14/2006

Posted on 01/14/2006
Copyright © 2024 Glenn Currier

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Mary Ellen Smith on 01/14/06 at 04:01 PM

This is so real, vibrant, slow in pace so that the reader feels the horse's tiredness...a perfect poem that I am adding to my favorites.

Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 01/15/06 at 01:16 AM

Bittersweet! An analogy of sorts. As aging humans do we get "tied to a tree" awaiting our fianl sunset?

Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 01/15/06 at 02:20 PM

I can so identify with this poem and that horse tied to a tree and I could even tell you who has me tied; not old decrepit age but my loving wife and in knots no amateur could unravel.

Posted by Chris Sorrenti on 01/15/06 at 02:43 PM

Quite the original rendering, using what the horse has seen throughout its lifetime. Hat's off to ya sir, and thanks also for your comment/support on my latest. :o)

Posted by JD Clay on 01/16/06 at 04:23 AM

This is a humbling poem, Glenn, and I like the subtle gesture of compassion in your presentation of service. I see the tree as a respite from the sun (as opposed to the blazing desert) and the final sunset as a jubilant expression of transition. A devoted horse of this nature is sure to be rewarded handsomely and will undoubtedly be remembered as a thoroubred alongside the equine's best. You're not hanging up your bridle are you? pe4ce...

Posted by Mara Meade on 01/16/06 at 04:20 PM

Such a beautiful tribute, this "seeing beyond" the frame. Your compassionate presentation brought me to tears.

Posted by Charles E Minshall on 01/22/06 at 08:30 PM

Horses are so much taken for granted. I am glad you wrote this Glenn. It goes into my favorites list. Thanks for posting it.....Charlie

Posted by Michelle Angelini on 02/17/06 at 07:19 PM

Glenn, this brought tears to my eyes for the tenderness of the memories invoked here. Horses are special creatures. I, too, am affected by the humility of the service that you write about.
~Chelle~

Posted by Terry Olynik on 06/04/06 at 08:10 PM

I don't, as a rule, comment on other's poetry. This poem forces me to say .....magnificent!

Posted by Charles E Minshall on 06/05/06 at 03:17 AM

Congratulations for poem of the day Glenn..Charlie

Posted by Junemarie Roldan on 07/17/06 at 03:38 AM

Do onto others as you would have them do unto you. This golden rule, to me, seems to apply to all forms of life, not just human. I say the following, only because many others feel the same way, and that's that I generally prefer animals to humans. For reasons that are easily justified. Of course this piece applies to humans as well as animals. Since both are often cast aside, forgotten and neglected. A beautifully etched write.

Posted by D. James McKee on 01/08/08 at 12:18 PM

WOW! That is poetry! I have only been on this site for a couple of days. I came here hoping to study and learn from masters of the craft. Surely, I have found one such... The first addition to my favourites list, I doff my cowboy hat in your general direction. Thank-you sir!

Posted by A. Paige White on 08/08/09 at 11:46 PM

Glenn, I can't begin to express how happy I am to be found so lucky to find myself hitched to this hitching post today. Boy. You know how to rattle a grandmother's bridle. Thanks for the awesome ride! What other pearls will I find archive diving, I wonder?

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 02/26/12 at 02:54 AM

Such a love affair I had with horses as a girl, and never owned one. This paints the total picture of what one can be, a fine looking back, and as "drained dry" as he might be, you give a sense of nobleness to this beast. Thank you.

Posted by George Hoerner on 02/28/17 at 03:40 PM

Just read this Glenn and it is wonderful and sad at the same time. We don't often give enough thought and consideration to animals as could or should. Really nice write! Hope all is well.

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