ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

GENDARME





He took the next step tentatively – he had an open heart
and gave his trust quite willingly, that was the scary part.
She’d no regrets taking him on and love would find a way
she just used lots of sweet talk and gentleness each day.

Mostly a right turn cleanly made, sometimes a left in error.
Odd times he’d go right off the rails, could be a bloody terror
but a quick puff of steam let out – temper gets most men fizzy;
he’d get over it so darn quick at times it made her dizzy.

They persevered together – he’d a fancy for naan bread
so oft times she would share her lunch – together head to head
they talked – well he just listened, his head nodding as she spoke
he really did epitomise a strong and silent bloke.

Sometimes they roamed through woodlands other times through city streets
along with many others in big boots walking the beat.
This year saw paper lampshades, dragons, fireworks, crowded places
and everywhere was noise and rush – many roads, different faces.

They’d then play dodgems with the crowd – both walking with eyes down
for neither one had need to become the talk of the town.
A measure of respect was shown, though a lot he’d withstand.
She had his number - now he ate from the palm of her hand.

On days when he’d done really well an apple his reward
and occasionally a carrot something else that he adored.
His velvet lips would quest her face, his sigh caress her hair.
Two dark brown eyes looked into blue – and in both love was there.

Maureen Clifford © 01/12

Maureen wasn't Gendarme the famous police horse? If so I think my sister-in-law's grandfather was it's police rider.

Heather

One of the last vestiges of the ancient cavalry troop Maureen.

That's an imaginative approach and a good choice of subject Maureen, I like it.

gendarme was a very famous drum horse of the Victorian Police force

bill williams

well there you go - I did write it about a police horse but had no idea that Gendarme was actually a real police horse - this was about the new young recruits that they have just taken in at the Oxley Academy both 2 and 4 legged. Whether there is one called Gendarme I don't know.

The NSW Police wanted to display a drum horse.
I was able to play the kettle drums ( timpani ) and I was asked to take on the position of the drum horse player. I was going to accept , when a thought struck me " How am I going to steer the horse, if I am holding drum sticks and playing the drums ? " They told me that the reins would be attached to the stirrups and I would control the bit with my feet. NO THANKS. I had no experience as a horse rider and had visions of me on a bolting horse off down Martin Place trying to pull it up with my feet. THAT IDEA ENDED THERE. INCLUDE ME OUT !

I like the poem Maureen.
As you would understand I think, it's not all niceness and petting, there's a lot of hard work with the grooming of the horse and preparation of the saddle and bridle gear for a parade horse, both before and after the event.