Horatian Ode* to the Horseman

By Jack McCarty Jr.

1 The Elucidation
The Horseman is a state unknown to science
Academics study while excluded
Flying over pedal mind or conscience
Merge of minds that fiction has alluded
As antithesis and thesis trust
A giving and receiving with consent
Transcending czars and envied by the oarsman
Bliss with truce a must
The primate coronet, poetic scent
No longer only human, now a Horseman.

2 The Metamorphosis
As Pegasus inspir’d the poets past
Beloved Chiron Centaur, ‘lysian Plains;
H. Sapien and Equine form a caste.
Poetic myth expounds past Logic gains.
Its metamorphosis didactics hold
When caterpillar turns to butterfly
As need and time cocoon’d ‘midst due course, man
And beast their wings unfold
Afresh, emerge, loose fears and wills to fly
No longer only human, now a Horseman.

3 The Theatre
The cowboy “Cult of Skill”** includes the Rider
As apprentice or initiate
But skill’d Hands, “saddle earned” and no outsider
Horse will know as more than candidate
In harmony they blend as unitized
Dues paid, horse-raised, a Master of the clan
With strengths and senses doubled- Greek or Norseman-
Myth materializ’d
Not nearly God, superior to man,
No longer only human, now a Horseman.

4 The Pragma
Our natures often play against the blend.
Predator and prey must change their part.
The dreaded hunter must be found a friend
While hunted wretch surrenders rebel’s heart.
In languages of cues reciprocate
To answer reins and pressures of the knee
Note ears and lips indicate recourse, man
And horse communicate.
Equine perspective often teaches thee...
No longer only human, now a Horseman.

* This verse form was made popular in the 1800’s by John Keats as in
“Ode to a Nightingale”.
**Buck Ramsey, in conversation, referred to the cowboy culture as a
“cult of skill” including its iniation, etiquette, and fellowship. The
3 ranks and qualifications listed in the poem were contrived by the
author. Buck also made editorial contributions.

Poetry Magazine