Liberty Hill Farm

Wisely, he has a folded handkerchief ready.
He knows how beautiful she will be.
It is a good thing because the tears come right way.

And the helpless smile.

I look and I see the perfect blue sky.

And the green Tennessee countryside.

In front of us, in a long rolling meadow,

a brown mare and a Pinto, perhaps Shiloh,

quietly work the short grass.

They move slowly, heads down,

feigning a lack of interest,

but all the while curiously close

to the white fence and the wedding party.

I look back and I see that she’s arrived

and it’s true, she is beautiful in a white dress

and a brilliant red sash.

Her face as alive as the day.

He gives her the handkerchief

when he sees her tears start.

She puts it to her eyes and there is silence.

We look and we know what it is between them.

Later the rings appear

and the laughter starts

and we see the brown mare and the Pinto,

having forgotten their shyness,

are standing at the fence,

taking a good look at their visitors.

We smile because there’s something so familiar.

But then the music starts

and the party cheers

and the horses jump in surprise

and race off down the meadow.

We watch them go and we laugh again.

I look and I see the white fence

and the trees near the old well.

The late summer afternoon is ending.

The couple has gone

and it’s time for us to join them.