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Ode to an Indiana State Park Horse
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-68Ode to an Indiana State Park Horse Oh, Joe! I know that is your name Because the the head wrangler Told me so And the tag on your rugged western saddle says “Joe.” When I touch you with my heels you go, Not too fast, not too slow. But you like to be second in line Behind the lead horse who carries the guide As you haul this poet on a one-hour ride. Oh, Joe! You one ton, four-legged, horsehide upholstered rocking chair, You are one fortunate, equine rascal, Spending your autumnal years Walking along the gentle trails Of Fort Ben State Park Through the ash and the black walnut trees, Startling the deer and wild turkey And other scurrying critters That go running at the sound of your foot fall. I, Joe, Sit astride your noble back Surveying the morning light Of the beautiful Indiana countryside With my two poet compadres close behind, Riding two of your capable stablemates Yes, here I sit, feeling safe at last, Knowing there is no better way To see any countryside Than from the back of a good horse. -69And Joe, You are a good horse. Sure of foot, Gentle of gait, Patient with idiots, Consistently, Steadily, Joe. Thanks for the ride. Copyright © 2007 Steven Fromholz ...