Counting Horses

 

 

She watches them from the hill

The wind sighs

As 17 horses move towards dawn

The rhythmic hoof beats

Echo in her chest

Awakening the tiny bundle in her arms

Her eyes follow the flutter of the red banner

As it disappears into the cherry trees

 

So much time

The little bundle now laughs and plays

Crawling at her feet

Her eyes stray to the East

As she hangs the clothes

 

So much time

The little bundle steals a sweet

And runs outside to play

As she shields her eyes against the sun

As she draws water

 

So much time

The little bundle asks so many questions

That cannot be answered

She cries softly as she banks the fire

 

So much time

Hoof beats echo in her chest

He is so still beside her

As they approach out of the dawn.

16 horses, colors flashing in the sun

He looks up at her before he turns to go

The ghost of a red banner, like a torch,

Now lights his eyes