Still

Be Still. Let the Horse – Be a Horse.

Don’t push him to canter and lope figure eights
Don’t prod him to sidepass and open the gates
Don’t pen him up lonely away from his mates
Don’t hold him up tight just to see how he rates

Don’t flag him and chase him and play with his mind
Don’t scold him because he’s sulled up in a bind
Don’t watch him cross over, he can’t move his hind
Don’t cinch him unknowing, he’s wearing a blind.

Don’t spur him to sidepass and quicken his feet
Don’t bribe him and stall him with many a treat
Don’t bute him or ace him to make him compete
Don’t make him the reason that your life’s complete.

Be Still. Let the Horse – Be a Horse.

‘Cause sometimes a hoss must be wild and free
Unfettered, untouched, with complete liberty
To run if he wants to and buck and to flee
To be left alone – from you and from me.

A wet saddle blanket’s helped many a steed
The right kind of training is sure what they need
But sometimes – just sometimes – step away from your lead
Let nature take over, renewing the breed.

Be Still. Let the horse – be a horse.

We turn out our horses and mules every night
In one million acres, I sure love the sight
They’re packing only a bell in their flight
Wrangled next morning, their eyes sparkle bright

A horse is as good as his breeding and care
They’re willing to please, if you’re kind and you’re fair
But sometimes just leave them – stud, gelding, or mare
Ask them for nothing. Answer their prayer.

BE STILL.

© Sandy Seaton Sallee