Hoofbeats

1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4
the soft pounding, relaxed
padding into dirt, slowly
over frozen February ground.

1-2, 1-2
gait quickens, up down
rising to the air as muscles
throw, snaps jingling.

1-2-3, 1-2-3
off goes the hooves, ears
perked, running wild
free, going with the beat.