Barefoot
Sand hot, searing white,
like my skin,
which had been kissed by a fierce
fiery sun
that mistook me for his lover.
It was my choice,
not to join the herd,
to chase a quarter mile
at crescendo speeds.
I already knew what it was like
to race the wind,
to pretend I was lightning,
no more than a fleeting flash,
bliss - and then, silence.
I chose the shamanic path,
removing the leather,
letting go of the binding ties,
and the reins,
setting them beside conch shells
that sheltered my keys
and my tether.
Fists full of mane,
thighs wrapped around
the wild grace of Tarpan Luck,
in velvet waters,
sparkling turquoise,
bareback, unbridled
soul claiming Amphitrite,
harnessing currents, breaking tides,
even the sun bowed low,
as I gilded the foam.
I echoed the gulls
far outstretched wings,
singing to the envious saline atmosphere,
I. am. free.
About the Creator
Ellie Hoovs
Breathing life into the lost and broken. Writes to mend what fire couldn't destroy. Poetry stitched from ashes, longing, and stubborn hope.
My Poetry Collection DEMORTALIZING is out now!!!: https://a.co/d/5fqwmEb
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More stories from Ellie Hoovs and writers in Poets and other communities.
Wild Hearts and the Hoofbeats of August
Let’s not pretend August isn’t already halfway galloping out the door with a mane full of wildfire and that school-supplies-back-to-school-deadline-dread chasing close behind. It’s the last stand of summer - the golden, dust-flecked dream, and there’s no better poetry prompt to capture that wild beauty than horses.
By Ellie HoovsExclusive • 5 months ago
Comments (6)
Beautiful, thankyou for sharing and congratulations on Top Story xx
I was reminded of a special time where I frequented Assateague Island off Maryland's Eastern shore- "wild horses, couldn't keep me away"- invisioning riding bareback through salty white sea froth was enchanting. Thank you for taking me there. Beautiful.
How beautiful and freeing. Wonderfully written!
I was utterly carried away by the vivid, elemental energy of this poem. The imagery from blazing sand kissed by the sun to the glossy turquoise waves and it sparked such a sensory ride. I especially loved the metaphor of laying down the reins and the sense of finally, bravely becoming ‘free.’ One idea that came up: maybe exploring a soft pause or a subtle, personal detail before that release could deepen the emotional impact even further. But honestly, the boldness and lyrical sweep here moved me; such beautiful work!
Top story is well deserved for this one 👏👏👏
Beautiful, Ellie.