The Ride

Finally, I am seven

I have been waiting for this birthday for

as long as I can remember.

It was the summer, I remember,

to start riding,

horseback riding from seven to eternity.

Riding astride flowed through my dreams

ever since

I knew what a horse was.

Maternal beggings, pleadings

to sign me up each day, each week

Waiting, waiting until seven.

Now I’m seven, finally seven,

to take

the longest car ride of my life.

In the car, time

creeping slowly by as do

the cars passing by.

Radio playing. AC buzzing.

My soundtrack, nickering and neighing, welcoming me

to meet and ride.

Impatient, eager, heart leaping, thumping

“Are we there yet, are we, are we?”

Mother’s voice, distracted, driving,

calmly answers,

“Almost, almost.”

Palms sweaty, knuckles white

butterflies in my stomach

perch myself on the edge, excitedly awaiting our arrival.

Excited, exalted, with sweet equine perfume,

fenced pastures, green grass

and finally

the beloved aroma of fresh shavings,

damp footing down the drive,

over potholes, we are near, we are here

Bursting with happiness, anticipation,

I look out the window,

form the words on the sign “Davis Farm”

My pony Petal waits on the line,

brown eyes seek carrots, sweet breath on my cheek,

small hand strokes soft neck, a lifetime affair begins.