Understanding Equitation

   by Catherine Fraser

Once all leg and lungs 
and high flying tail
hooves alight,
a flashing current 
down long fields.

Now he nuzzles at my pocket
with his soft black lips
for a treat
I press my face to his
shiny spring coat
grateful for the smell of him,  the heat.

He breathes such a sigh
on my neck
as I groom his legs,
his breath of meadows, creeks and trees
and warm, 
like your bed.

Most days
I hold onto him and feel complete- - I love him
as we walk and gallop,
sensing
with my hands and seat, simple movement
all we need.

If only I could touch you--
If only our skins could meet--
and the wanting deep in me know
that we today are real       
and more than what we feel.