For Reno

I returned my mare to The Great Spirit

Amd her body to the Earth

Trying to feel grateful for the time spent

But not enough

And still too soon.

And the tears unbidden

Flow drom their own accord

Deep and cleansing sorrow

As I walk outside myself

Beside my beloved mare

Down the road

To the meadow

Where I will lay her down her final rest.

Images of the past

Float before my unseeing eyes

of high country trails

And campfires

Hoof prints in winter snow

Spring meadows

Galloping

Head and Tail

Reaching for the clouds

So easy on the eyes

Heart swelling each morning

To the nicker at feeding time

Owl feather

With shiny beads

Braided into the flowing mane

That I will never lace my fingers through

To climb a hill

Owl feather blowing in the wind

That will take her Spirit from me

Forever.

The early training

Ego battles fought and lost

She the teacher

I the student

Reflecting back at to me

Who I am.

I thought she was spooky

It was I who was afraid

I thought she was stubborn

It was I who was inflexible

She taught me well.

And when I learned my lessons

And when we began to flow through the hills

She left me

Alone

With her wisdom.

So I thank you

For your time

And your teachings

Most of all patience

And how to let go.

Fly with the Eagles now

Good-Bye

Reno

by Wendy Brown-Barry

© Copyright 2010 Wendy Brown-Barry

1. For Nick
2. For Hoby and Stacy
3. Ernie
4. Billy of the Blue Star
5. Mollie
6. Generations
7. Friends
8. For Reno