visiting the horse

the barn was full 

of cats.

and horses.

it smelled. you could hardly

catch your breath.

and yet, you stood

and washed,

you fed your horse.

taking your time.

you whispered into his old

ears, stroked his

long back.

calling him by name.

i remember the winter

light coming through

the other end

as i watched

you in your boots.

your long black hair

down your back.

i watched a tenderness

that i never knew

was there.