Borrowed Heartbeats
Borrowed Heartbeats by Tiffany Ward
Thump, thump, thump!
My heart beats with excitement as you came into view
When you came into my life I really needed you
What I hadn’t anticipated is that you needed me too
You were angry and stubborn, but so was I
God had a purpose for this connection inside
Our heartbeats in rhythm, yours with mine
Thump, thump, thump
With each firm stroke of my hand, against your red hair flecked with white
We taught each other love, we relinquished our fight
As I brush your coat it shimmered in the light
Trust established and strong between us
I talked and shared, I had lots to discuss
You listened intently and whicker so softly
Our language unique to us in its own way
We became close friends with each passing day
We traversed a new trail, reins grasped gently in my hands
Sounds so quiet on the morning ride
The smells pleasant and damp, blew by our side
Life was looking so hopeful and bright
Thump, thump, thump!
We ride at night
Under the stars and the moon’s light
We aren’t scared
We are perfectly paired
The sky so blue, the sun so bright
We saddle up, we go for another ride
A brisk wind comes now, playfully tussling your mane and tail with gentle curly waves
My gorgeous red sorrel boy horse with a blaze down his face
Our heartbeats together in a jaunty pace
As time went on, I grew and grew
Your breath on my palm, warm and true
My spur in your sides as we moved
Balancing life and time with you
We glimpse the boy I like, he’s grown into a man
With a click of my tongue and a squeeze of my legs you ran and ran
The two white socks on your back legs flash in the grass
We can see the barbed wire fence line and the old gate at last
Astride his own black horse, now abreast with mine
We walked the path together and intersected our lines
You stayed so still and calm, when he got off his black horse and stood by your side
Vowing his love for me, he asked me to be his bride
I squeal with delight, any other horse would want to take flight
You stood so still as I jumped down with glee
Even though he didn’t drop to one knee
Your nod of approval as I declared yes
Helped me know the marriage you did bless
While for a time, I went away
I left you at Mom’s to stay
You patiently waited for me
Knowing that together again, we would one day be
Growing and learning
Yet, so far away led us both to yearning
My own children did come, but not without loss
I traveled to see you, and you saw my eyes gloss
Your own hair and skin salty with my tears
Yet you nuzzled me close and drew me back near
Our hearts entwined
With the cadence of your breath
Thump, thump, thump
We have a new home
You are with me again
You teach my little ones to ride
This elicits our joy and pride
You have faced injuries of many kinds
I remember you broke your neck one time
You even tried to remove your hoof in your prime
Your will to live has been strong all along
Your heart knew where you belonged
The time is passing ever so fast
Your long years here have created a rich past
With each passing year
The ending draws near
Hot tears spill over now as I look into your eyes
I know it is time, I know you will die
I will have to live on
Without you by my side
Thump… thump… thump…..
Your heart stopped
I sob, I cry
You’re still, and now, so am I
With every heart beat gone
I feel numb inside
Our hearts no longer beating in rhythm, or with time
These borrowed heartbeats, were they yours or mine?
My heart beats on
Although, yours is gone
I love you sweet Treasure
The gift that you were
I will always remember you
Just as you were