WILD HORSES
[for Terry]
The wild horses
toss sweat-slickened manes
as their hooves splash -
through shallow pools:
Mankind would tame and
break them if it could.
Using harness and ropes
wet with ocean salt that stings
Island wind whips
across black and roan
bucking backs, the fear of ropes
and wanting to stay free
Hooves pound, and fiery eyes flash
As it starts to rain
Men will have to try again
On a warmer island day