Sunset

A sunset
Burned into my memory

Weeks before
Two of us laughing
Truck doors slamming
Ramp being lowered

Four beats
One...two...three...
Four
Pure power on hooves

Slow motion
Frantic motions
Until all is ready
And the saddle is on

Hands light on the reins
As we wait
And one last look
Him against a sunset

Go!
No command, a thought
From heart to heart
And speed like lightning

Three barrels
Dirt flying
We're one
Together, soaring

Fright creeps in
Something wrong
Slipping falling
A blow and darkness

The good news:
Nothing broken
That can't be mended
A sigh of relief, laughter

The day before
He grabs the horse
Four beats again
Door slams again

The road home
Stretches out before them
Ending in screeching tires
Terrified screams

Bad news:
Something shattered
My heart
Which can't be mended

Standing on still dirt
In a quiet arena
Staring at emptiness
Where he stood, cheering

Standing
On my own two feet
Feeling nothing
Where I felt bridled freedom

And a sunset
Burning him into my memory