Ecstacy!

To ride on the wings of a freed spirit.
Before us lies an open field.
Just my friend and I.
The field is an ocean green.
Filled with the splendor of the sun, the bird's song, and the breeze.
Seamless and free.
Beckoning to us.

Passion!

To ride the endless, open fields unbounded.
Our spirits freed by the noble beast we ride.
Just my friend and I.
We urge our mounts to a faster pace.
There is not, I believe, an un-lovely pace for this animal.
We trot tward an enchanted wood.
Beckoning to us.

Joy!

To ride in the company of one's dear friend.
We inter into the sanctuary of the wood.
Just my friend and I.
The birds greet us with thier quiet, still song.
Our presence is only revealed to that worshipful company by the quiet, gentle step of our majestic mounts.
As we travel the tiny woodland paths.
Beckoning to us.

Honor!

To ride on that most graceful beast ever created... the horse.
The ride so long and so wonderful with
just my friend and I,
comes to a peaceful end.
Quietly sublime in it's journey of friendship
as we near two shady oak trees.
Beckoning to us.

~~~~

~~~~

"On Friendship"

[T.C. Hackney ~ 6th March, 2004]

When in the brief
expanse of time
I my life ponder,

There is a thought
that makes my
heart grow warm.

And as the years
pass by and by,
the thought grows fonder.

It can joy impart,
or speak of the
heart that was torn.

The thoughts shall
grow sweeter, while in
my heart they stay longer.

These are the thoughts of
dear friends and
new friendships sown.

God has so blessed my way,
and with his love
I shall never wander.

He shows me His love
in a friend's companionship.
What joy I have known!

A friend knows when you are down.
They wear a secret crown;
An uncanny ability to make you laugh when you need one.
Into your life they can bring the joy and brightness of the sun.
What would I have done without that hand to hold mine?

Friendship isn't all
completely made up
of laughing and fun.

There are sweet times;
of simply sitting in
silence or working together.

From sitting together
in Church, to making
cards for someone.

Or a horseback ride.
Perhaps picking flowers
in glorious spring weather.

These moments need few words,
as though ripened by
the rays of the sun.

The memories rush back
in the gleaming beads we strung,
or the smell of saddle leather.

Then there are the
hilarious times!
Laughs and giggles by the ton.

Maybe watching a movie,
or out shopping together.
As I go on, it only gets better.

They give me comfort and support.
Joys and happy memories of every sort.
A beautiful companionship, yes.
No money can purchase this loveliness.
These are my friends.