The Horseman

Forgive me world
Forgive me friends
Forgive me family, and
Forgive me, former lovers, especially one.

Self indulgence is not pretty to watch,
It is less attractive to live.

Books,
Intimate conversations,
Counsel, from young and old,
Wisdom from my children, my wonderfully astute children:
"Dad, knock it off", "Get your head out of your butt".
Such compassion, but such truth.

I realize that, beyond the hurt, I have been consumed by fear
Fear of the new path
Fear of rejection
Fear of falling in love, again exposing raw tissue to additional wounds.

Nobody said that I have to fall in love again
When they said "Get back on the horse"
Nobody said to ride in the rodeo.

Take him out by the cool waters
The flowing stream
The lush grasses.

Get back in the saddle
and walk, don't run
For all good things come in due time.
Brush down the horse,
Polish the brass,
Smell the roses as you saunter past

And for that special lady on the horizon
Take it slow, and easy
As much for you as for her.

The horse knows the way
He has been here before.
So climb back in the saddle and let the horse take you where you need to go.