Midnight Splendor

For the 500 words group... decided to make this one into an epic poem

This hallowed place I'd never feared to trod
for home was closer by a mile when I
cut my path through the old battleground,
just a fence around some un-worked sod
and a battered plaque that showed tourists
where arrowheads could (shouldn't) be found

Near midnight it was, one stark autumn night
when I was trudging home from my labor,
past the mill down by the old, trickling creek
guided onward by slivers of moonlight;
following the footsteps of nights before...
when from behind in sudden came a shriek

Turning though shuddering, I dared look;
realized it was a fearsome neigh I heard.
Sleek, muscular and black with mane of gray
stood a horse... one long pause my breathing took,
for his body was of unearthly size and strength
his hooves were quick, and I stood in his way

In moments the dark wonder ran right through
not disturbing, but chilling, my countenance:
Nothing but a living spirit was this beast
though I had never thought such stories true
I knew this was no figment of imagination.
Absconding appeared wise, to say the least

However, something stayed my pace and I
felt all fear absolved by the stallion's will;
now remembered a yarn I'd heard spun
around some campfire, once upon a July,
about a dark horse who roamed this land
since the days when our battle'd been won

A war horse, savage, raw, and untamed
commanded by whomsoever he chose,
Those this dark warrior deemed fit to abide
always returned, not one single hair maimed...
until one day, in the campaign's finale
the horse and his mount had fallen, died

Why at last had his selection failed him
this horse who knew whose mount to be?
He'd chosen a man who looked like another
twins, and one had, upon a whim
decided the other had more of a need,
and gave use of the horse to his brother

Standing now behind me, his fearsome glare
resting upon my back-turned face
must be none other than Midnight Splendor,
that equine god of war with silver hair.
Now that my legs had lost all gumption
I had no choice but sweet surrender

This hallowed place now feels like home
as each night I mount my glorious ride
holding fast to my murderer, my friend.
Contentedly matched, forever we'll roam
over the trails where so many once fell
warding you, all of you, against such end

Author's Note

I'm not sure why the title Midnight Splendor caused me to write an epic poem about a legend I've never heard... yet I hope someone enjoys the read.

Reviews

[MagiCrystal]

Suspense.. my heart Oh my, i missed nothing every beat of my heart .. i felt
this is an splendor... this legend is good.

[just rose.]

I like how you channel the storytelling tradition here and felt like I was reading one of the romantic poets of the 19th century. Great job.

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Oh my that is a magnificent tale... if this is a dream to me I would see it as one whom not only learned from a tragic mistake but also is setting out to educate others to not make the same mistake as well. Just my humble opinion. Nonetheless this is really amazing in the vivid details and images portrayed.

[Bette]

this was wonderful, well done.awesome

[clemon73]

Excellent verbiage. This piece was simply amazing.