Pony’s Presence

A young lad,

12-ish or so,

Stands before

The old barn door.

He enters.

The comforting smell

Of the haybin

Rests in the air.

A welcoming whinny

Sounds

From the far stall.

As the boy approaches,

A soft, brown nose

Begins to show itself

Above the stall door.

Whickering softly,

The pony allows

The boy

To enter the area.

The boy pats him,

Gently,

On the neck

And whispers

Reassuring words

Of friendship

Into the twitching ear

Of the listening pony.