For two years I’ve played with Lofty over the fence.
We’ve had the occasional visit.
I’d chase, hunt, push and wind him up,
Until she put me away.
Next door of late I’d watch
Lofty take on Aunty Del.
On two legs wrestling, biting and pinning her
Trying and testing his brumby strength.
At 23 months Lofty was feeling strong.
And the lady, she’d notice and notice some more.
One time Lofty tried to wrestle her to the ground.
On two legs with a swinging neck.
And the gate opened between us.
I watched his ways for a couple of hours,
Out the side of my eyes.
Making sure I was parallel so not to offend.
Lofty ran up to my blue hay bag.
Bringing myself up big, tall and proud,
I danced my way over,
And drove Lofty from his back quarter.
I released myself out of that.
And we paused. We waited.
Lofty leaned in towards the hay bag.
I danced some more. Felt important.
Rounding up Lofty, I drove him once more.
I waited. He waited.
Curving back, stopping straight in front.
With steps to build my balance.
To gather grace and energy.
I walked forward. Lofty reversed back.
One step.
Two steps.
Three steps.
Lofty rounded his neck, lifted his back.
Accepted my energy.
My purposeful steps transferred
Into his fine reverse.
We paused together.
Looking face-to-face.
Lofty picking up his senses to take in more, and
I released away.
Today I met Lofty where he was.
After all this time,
My strong way
Was completely understood.
Lofty fitted in.