The scent of horse sweat, a mixture of muted musk

married with the heady sweetness of field grasses.

Bright spring sun spurred the shedding of wool-like

auburn brown fur, a mane draped with ashy highlights.

Metal sweat scraper tines combed through loose patches

reaped then harvested into dull gray steel shark teeth.

Mesmerizing for horse and groomer alike, they melted

into a seamless moment:  a doorway to springtime.

A light plaid maroon lawn chair set underneath a decade old

barn eave to capture some shade in hopes of evading a sunburn.

Greenish-yellow eyes peered around a bale of golden straw –

analyzed the scene, a subtle movement scurried round the bend.

A silky soft calico coat, a perfect accent, for a measured, regal feminine feline.

To question the obvious, the understated…or the distracting shenanigans

Of creeping creatures lying in wait communicating with whiskers and winks.

Fate already decided though the executioner waits, the execution stayed.

Light glinted off two needles that nosed their way up a well-worn wicker

basket adorned with a ball of cornflower yarn nuzzledin a figure eight.

The bottom edges of the sweater curled and climbed the other side

like a morning glory lacing itself gracefully along a chain link fence.

Copyright © J. L. Smith April 5, 2023