The Conversation of Expectation by C.E.K. Nelson , oil painting by author

Art and poetry creating awareness for all . Title of painting: Derby Horse Pep Talk.

The Conversation of Expectation

He whispers-
you can do this,
don't loose face.
You were bred to
take this race.

Ears prick forward,
then back...
feeling the restriction
of the tack.

Tension builds-
anticipation of
the trill..
and
spooking thoughts
of a kill.

A million dollars he could make.
A death sentence
at stake.
Hungry dogs and humans wait,
for those who never
make the pace.

Over breeding,
over seeding-
The racing fields,
the killing fields...
pushing up the daffodils.

Cutting knives with every stride.
Place or show a beautiful life.
For a slaughter
or
a dollar...

On track
At 2 years in.
Graduating with
a break
or
with a pin.
Exploiting the spirit
and
the will to win.
-C.E.K. Nelson

I am not opposed to the "sport of kings"... horse racing can be beautiful, the ultimate illustration of human and animal working as a team, in essence, becoming one. Most sports today are business and horse racing is no exception. Like many business ventures, this sport has been exploited and manipulated by those involved for the sake of greed, without regard to the athlete... The horse. The horse can not speak for himself. If a horse as a lobbyist entered the arena, what would be spoken- nay be the sayer against the dollar . There are the activists that fight against "big business" for the welfare of the less fortunate. Why do we always expect the government to be our moral compass, pointing us to the direction of moral or possible inmoral actions without giving much thought to the action. We use the the White House as our scape goat. Why shouldn't we expect more from our fellow human, big business or not, to conduct themselves/ and rein their venture with moral responsibility. A sad STATE of affairs. Most people know the difference between right and wrong. There are many ways to get to the finish line without exploiting the innocent and eventually coming in first- it is called karma.

A note: thank you to those involved in horse racing who consider the welfare of the athlete... The horse.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading my efforts. Please click on image next to title to view artwork.

Reviews

[C.E.K. Nelson]

Maybe some...that is Until their racing career is over at about 4 or 5 for most- then they become a liability to the owner unless they can earn their keep at stud- most don't . The cost of owning and caring for a horse is astronomical. I own two and have owned and ridden horses all of my life. I live in an area where some of the largest breeding farms exist and some of the largest equine rescue organizations reside. Sadly, because of costs, most of these organizations are disappearing. Perhaps you should look into thoroughbred race horses after retirement and then perhaps you will change your view point! P.S. most horse will live into their late 20s if given proper care.

[Emily B]

those horses live in better houses than i do

[Baby Ricochet]

Great poem. I liked the way the short lines interspersed the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

[C.E.K. Nelson]

Well said! Thank you for that!!!

[unbrakable fragile gir..]

I really enjoyed this poem I horse back ride I do English and I know what's going on in my perspective I hope it's the same but we all have are own I really liked this very nice and I really liked your art work
keep up the awesome work

[C.E.K. Nelson]

I too am an equestrian - hunt seat. I am surrounded, where I live, by horses bred for racing. Too many of them end up homeless and on their way to slaughter after retirement from a very short career. Most are not sound enough to be used for anything more than a lawn ornament. I have actually adopted a former race horse- I encourage others to do the same, if possible. Thank you so much for your read and review!!!!!!! Happy trails to you:)

[unbrakable fragile girl]

Thank you and your welcome any time with your writing talent I could post comments all day and I hate how the horse get treated like nothing and how they get sent to the slower house

[C.E.K. Nelson]

Yes, so true!! Thank you again!!!:)