THE BRUMBY AND THE BOY

[Maureen K Clifford]

The Brumby and the Boy
Maureen Clifford © The Scribbly Bark Poet

He was only a young bloke a tiny wee scrap
and his horse was much bigger than him
but they had a rapport which was quite plain to see
when together - just like Huck and Finn
The horse was a brumby, a fine looking mare
a chestnut with gleaming red hide.
The little bloke’s hat was just a shade too big
but his ears kept it clear of his eyes.

They didn’t need words to express how they felt
they shared every hour of their days,
the little bloke holding onto the lead rope
and the chestnut mare content to graze.
Sometimes in reflection they both sat and stared
at the distant horizon and hills.
She dreamt of the freedom of running the range
and he dreamt of a fast ride and thrills.

He wasn’t quite big enough yet his Dad said
to take Adelong for a ride
but soon he’d be five and then Dad had promised
that he could mount her up, sit astride.
She hadn’t been broken to saddle as yet
but they’d both learn together you see.
He’d learn how to guide her and coax her along
and she’d learn she was no longer free.

And yet she was lucky – a small price to pay
for she’d only find gentleness here.
No more would she run from the choppers bright blades,
no more would her heart pound with fear.
For here she was valued – no feral pest this
but a cobber, a friend and a mate
though sometimes a hint of sadness crossed her eye
as she gazed at far hills from the gate.

[Heather]

I enjoyed the story and the pictures you paint there Maureen.

Heather

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thanks Heather - as you can see (now) it is a true story

[Heather]

I believed it without the photo Maureen.

[Ron]

Good one Maureen, well done!
Obviously written from the heart on a subject close to your heart!

Ron

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thanks Ron - anything to do with animals is always close to my heart but Horses , Dogs and sheep are my top three.

[Neville Briggs]

Well written Maureen. It sets the right romantic mood . Romantic in the sense of devoted attachment from the heart.


Just to be pedantic ( how unusual ) Huck Finn is one and the same person. It might have to be Tom and Finn

[Maureen K Clifford]

Hmmm - I wondered about that Neville when I wrote it but I used Huck and Finn as most people recognize the name Huckleberry Finn and one of them without the other doesn't work - so whilst Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn would be more correct - I wonder if it would work within the context here ?

[Neville Briggs]

It's your poem Maureen, if you think that the symbol is adequate, it's all good.