Why Walk?

Should I? I would ponder, 

Why not? I didn't balk.

The barn was way off yonder,

A good long way to walk.

To lead this good big filly,

When riding I could be....

The thought seemed downright silly,

Walking simply ain't for me.

Not to brag, but I've got the knack

When it comes to breakin' 'em in.

It's only good sense that I lack,

And vanity's my only sin.

A clumsy leap is all it took,

then on her back I sat,

But all at once she came awake,

Bolting from beneath my hat.

No stopping of this hurricane,

A wild and frenzied affair.

My grip tore loose her flowing mane,

Then my legs just left that mare.

I thought I'd got off easy,

As I floated through the air.

Then the ground come up and met me;

I believed I'd had my share.

I opened my eyes and at a glance,

I knew she wasn't done. 

For on my foot she did a dance

And made the point she'd won.

Off to the barn in perfect haste,

She squealed a victory call.

With abandoned pride I gave her chase

As fast as I could crawl.

Now thinking back, my choice would be

Not to mess with unbroke stock.

For I'm no fool, and now I see,

I reckon I should have walked.

By Kari Baker 

Western Horseman January 1993