Magic in Three Circles

4/24/2024  For Heart of the Horse     Clovis, CA JLW    [507T]

she arrived in her wheel chair
      wrapped tightly in her own world
      the team was ready
      surrounding her with strength and care
      they placed her on the horse
      where she was enveloped with care and safety
      by her support rider

and the team started out
      even in those first steps
      I could feel the magic
      Guy walking backwards
      laser focused on the girl and the horse
      talking to the girl as he walked

small step by small step
      the girl began to open
      like a wildflower in the morning sun
      just a tiny bit at a time

she began to come alive
      slowly at first
      her head straightened up
      she sat up straight on her own
      her arms began to move
      her hands gripped the saddle horn
      her face came alive
      she began to talk

at the end of the third circle around
      Guy asked if she wanted more
      “Yes”
      so he gave her another circle around

all the while
      I watched
      leaning on the fence
      with tears in my eyes
      just being present in this magical moment