Shared Space

by Carol Keeney


Along the Little Missouri, the cottonwoods
are dressed in their vibrant autumnal glory—
even below gray skies, even after a soft rain—

and I, dressed in down, hands in my pockets,
notice people gathered in twos, in threes,
facing this hallowed amphitheater.

Ambling, a band of wild horses— roans, pintos,
bays and grays, one foal swishing her tail—
feed on dry grasses, oblivious to their audience.

I stand still, watching the horses,
watching the people watching the horses—
all focused on these creatures of the wild
who grace us by coming near.  

A woman looks my way, our smiling eyes
meet in this rare mutual delight.
Others, with fancy cameras, edge in closer,
crouch to capture this moment into memory.

What lingers with me:
trees, horses, humans
in a golden quiet.


* * * * *

Carol Keeney is an emergent poet living in Montrose, Colorado. She is a retired teacher and community organizer. Besides writing poetry, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, time with her family and friends, and camping trips to National Parks and other public lands with her very small travel trailer.