Love Poem

Love Poem by Paul Zimmer In southern France live two old horses, High in the foothills, not even French, But English, retired steeplechasers Brought across to accept an old age Of ambling together in the Pyrenees. At times they whinny and kick At one another with impatience, But they have grown to love each other. In time the gelding grows ill And is taken away for treatment. The mare pines, pokes at her food, Dallies on her rides until the other Comes home.                         She is in her stall When the trailer rumbles Through the gate into the field, And she sings with impatience Until her door is opened.                                              Then full Of sound and speed, in need of Each other, they entwine their necks, Rub muzzles, bumping flanks To embrace in their own way. Together they prance to The choicest pasture, Standing together and apart, To be glad until They can no longer be glad. "Love Poem" by Paul Zimmer, from Crossing to Sunlight Revisited. © University of Georgia Press, 2007