My johnny mule is a little slower than
your Morab mare at the gallop, but
cantering along this lane, stirrup to stirrup
they are stride for stride. Companions
of many such jaunts; red mule, bay mare,
moving in easy syncopation. Companions, too,
are we, of many journeys. Long time
friends, long time lovers. A mile along,
in our secret trysting place we move
together in easy syncopation in a ritual
as old as spring, as new as today. Then,
I speak your name.....
..... and find myself at my bench, in my shop,
and you far away with someone else.