The Brumby and the Boy

Maureen Clifford ©  The Scribbly Bark Poet

He was only a young bloke a tiny wee scrap

and his horse was much bigger than him

but they had a rapport which was quite plain to see

when together - just like Huck and Finn

The horse was a brumby, a fine looking mare

a bright chestnut with gleaming red hide.

The little bloke’s hat was just a shade too big

but his ears kept it off of his eyes.

They didn’t need words to express how they felt

they shared every hour of their days,

the little bloke holding onto the lead rope

and the chestnut mare content to graze.

Sometimes in reflection they both sat and stared

at the distant horizon and hills.

She dreamt of the freedom of running the range

and he dreamt of a fast ride and thrills.

He wasn’t quite big enough yet his Dad said

to take Adelong for a ride

but soon he’d be five and then Dad had promised

that  he could mount up, sit astride.

She hadn’t been broken to saddle as yet

but they’d both learn together you see.

He’d learn how to guide her and coax her along

and she’d learn she was no longer free.

And yet she was lucky – a small price to pay

for she’d only find gentleness here.

No more would she run from the choppers bright blades,

no more would her heart pound with fear.

For here she was valued – no feral pest this

but a cobber, a friend and a mate

though sometimes a hint of sadness crossed her eye

as she gazed at far hills from the  gate.


The photo used here is of  Kosciuszko Adelong - one of the Brumbies rescued by Hoofs2010Inc.  Photo courtesy of Hoofs2010

http://www.hoofs2010incorporated.com/brumbies-available.html