Finding

(for Aidan Williams)

After a difficult week at work,
when I was trying too hard on a short fuse,
I suddenly knew that all the hurt
would have a certain way of being released,

Googled stables in the centre of town
and telephoned, but not to book a ride,
just to have five minutes with any one
of the ponies, and as he fed I cried

deeply from a well I thought was dry,
and while I hugged, breathed fully of his sweat,
heard him intently chomping on the hay,
told him I loved him and kissed his neck,

I knew calm like that with you this afternoon,
my head on your heartbeat, animal and true.