Trouble
I loved him
from deep within the center
his name was Trouble -
yes, it really was
he was tall and proud
a light chestnut brown
or perhaps the color of a deer
a white star on his forehead
and although gelded
he was a leader
protecting the mares and the colts
too strong headed for his own good
he was not always treated kindly
and my heart would break
and I would talk to him
gently stroking his flank
and he would listen
and breathe me in
with his muzzle softer than velvet
he was a kindred spirit -
he and I both horses of the same color
and when he and his small herd
were stuck out in the field
in the deep snow
it was he who listened
and trusted and followed
the soft words I spoke
Trouble became food for the bears one day
and yes, i cried
from a heart broken open
his and mine -
learning again
that only the heart
is able to transform sorrow
into compassion