Not impatiently, but confidently

October 30, 1986

(for Joppa, Boaz, and Toccata) Dawn horses are a veil of vapor, Fresh-dung steam, Nostril-mist, The pale haze of sunrise air Already they anticipate the morning Welcoming it With A swish of tails Tentative tap dance of hooves A politely gentle whinnying. Already with sensitive soft noses they can sniff Aromas arising from buckets Already savor the belly-filling breakfast; Already they hear a music in their heads The munch-crunch-munch-crunch Of barley, bran, nuts and beet. Therefore They wait Not impatiently, but confidently. Great almond eyes Shine steadfastly On the door they know Will open; Quivering velvet ears Tune accurately To the latch they know Will snick.