An Accident?!?!

I feel the power of my horse through his saddle. I feel the thrill of the ride through his feet. I feel his excitement in the rhythm of his movements. His power makes me bold; his thrill makes me exhilarated; his excitement gives me the urge to go faster.

His mane and tail fly with the wind and the steady thrump of his hoof pounds into the ground. We gallop across the open field, free as the breeze rolling over the distant hills. I feel the power of my horse through his feet. And some say creation was an accident!

The Runaway Soldier (5.12.11)

I silently dash to the stable and saddle my families horse. As I’m latching his bridle, I whisper in his ear:

“I’m running away, Jasper, we’re running away. We’re going to enlist in the Union army’s cavalry.”

Somehow I think he knew I was earnest, and I knew he wasn’t afraid. Then I slip into the saddle and set Jasper to a canter. My gun in my lap, and dressed in my brother’s pants and work shirt, I ride to become a soldier, fighting for what I know is right.

If my brothers can fight this war, I can too!