in this little barn
the solitary stall is barely
enough space for a horse
to turn around
slow breaths visible in cold air
half-closed eyes take their rest
four legs stand strong patient
waiting for the next flake of hay
the evening scoop of sweet feed
sidling in the thin girl
seeks comfort leans
against the stolid body
that long winter-grown
coat thick soft hair
muffles her weeping
absorbs her tears
with tenderness
to meet the ache
in her chest
