new neighbours

after a soggy winter
with no neighbours
in the paddock below
(except a small flock of retired sheep
holidaying over Christmas)
my heart
leapt
this morning to see
(through rain-blurred glass)
the two of you
standing there
rear end to rear end
like some two-headed
many-legged
mythical beast

oh, indefinable
equine joy

I do so hope you tarry a while
beyond
today

maybe even take up a tenancy?

I'd love to get to know you more
- in your own time

and in your own way
of course
(this much I now know
about horses)

but
(as, hopefully, you’ll notice)
the grass my side of the friendship fence
really is greener
and longer
and sweeter...

oh, you pair of handsome, beautiful, potent beings
the arrival of your company
delights me
just as much
as spring’s first buds and blooms