Going Home
GOING HOME
The August sun is hot and merciless,
sucking moisture from the ground, melting tar
along the road. The old grey steed, shoeless,
weary, strains against her hard rough collar.
Empty of belly, and unsure of foot,
she struggles to complete this last journey;
plodding the old familiar winding route
with no kind word to cheer her on her way.
The gaily painted Vardo slows her pace,
her withered flanks are sore, chafed by the shafts.
Her masters hands are caught up in the trace,
his lifeless body slumped against the lantern glass.
For Gypsy Joe, the final journey’s done,
the faithful pony brings her master home.
© 2021