the Sage By Nature blog

I have long been enthralled by the concept of animals being our mirrors. However, what if there is more to that than reflects the eye? What if I called my horse an extension of me? What if the things I respect and admire about her have been inside of me all along? I might find them if I look closely.

Perhaps, then, I don’t need her to be resistance-free, push-button, or dominated by me. In fact, if I see her for who she is and who I might be, then I cannot rejoice in crushing her spirit or completely molding her to my will whether through my hands, my voice, or my tools because that would be, in essence, an annihilation of pieces of me. And ladies, haven’t we all had enough of our pieces strewn across the floors of homes, schools, places of work, and even barns?

But there I go “spreading dangerous ideas” again…and its so not about rope halters.

Following is my ode to Epona, the Celtic goddess of horses; to me she also represents female strength. I entered this poem into the Tack N Talk Blog’s November Literary contest.

For more on women and inner goddesses, see Marriane Williamson’s book A Woman’s Worth.

For more on Epona, check out this site.

Love Of Horse And Goddess Force

When i came by this world
my goddess danced and swirled
cried, screamed like a banshee
but quiet, hush, or stern plea
would echo black
smacking her back
once, even clouds she could pass
then shriveled she, an amoeba on glass
though she would not die
alas, only a microscope’s eye
could find her within
drowned amidst the din;
ah, but she would rise
called by my sighs
golden phoenix from simmering flames
this goddess no one tames
one day I would scream
ride in from my dream
I know you well, horse
for you are goddess force
grace and power abide in you
from me, like a bird they flew
but upon your mighty back
goddess breathes my reins slack
you, a mere appendage, now a mirror
my goddess, no more shall I fear her;
Epona, we will make you proud
as we unveil from our heart’s shroud
and claim this world
with manes and desire unfurled.