Poems (Argent)/Floating Feather
FLOATING FEATHER.
HE was a little riding-horse That revelled in all weather,So sure of foot, in speed so famed We called him "Floating Feather."
His glossy coat mocked back the sun, It shone so bright and golden, His nostrils they were thin and fine, His pedigree was olden.
He scorned the whip, the spur and rein, Unrivalled were his paces;Across the heather and the hills He showed a thousand graces!
His eyes were beautiful and soft, Affection's rays were gleamingIn their dark depths, as if the stars Had come there and lay dreaming.
Those eyes, they took you captive quite, A something almost humanFlashed from them like the beauteous light One sees in gentle woman!
Oh! we have roamed full many a mile Through vale, up hill together;All tireless as the mountain breeze, In spite of wind or weather.
On through the air like to a bird, Or, very Atalanta,He's borne me on the wildest night With gallop, trot and canter.
His silky mane and flowing tail, Tossed here and there in wonder,His hoofs re-echoing far and wide Like mimic claps of thunder.
His nostrils sniffed and snorted fire, And full of satisfaction,He seemed to know we all admired And loved him to distraction.
In truth, a little steed that none Could beat in any weather,The daintiest spirit creature he: Well named a floating feather!
Though twenty years have come and gone, Within the grassy meadow,No sign of age doth he display, He laughs at Time's weird shadow.
He comes to all to be caressed And rubs his nose so tenderUpon your shoulder just to show How great is still his splendour!
I almost think "Pegasus" dwells Within this steed so sprightly,He must have sure some hidden wings To make him move so lightly.
The years may come, the years may go, Their flight he fails to measure,He canters still with buoyant step, As if it were a pleasure.
Then wonder not the fattest oats And sweetest heads of clover Within his manger you shall find Of such he is a lover.
Commingling with a warm soft bed Of straw and hay together,For where on earth shall mortal find Another Floating Feather?