Yesterday the Pony Express Re-Ride left Old Town Sacramento on schedule, 2 p.m. I drove down Green Valley to witness a hand-off of the mochila saddlebags at Pleasant Grove House, once a relay station for the horse-borne mail; it was supposed to happen about 8 p.m., but that’s horse-time. There were “challenging trail issues.” A sorrel, Lil Big Man, was waiting for his turn to carry the mail. At last a horse with rider emerged from the dark. Switch of saddlebags, new rider up, and Manny trotted off into the dark.
Just Before Sunset
Manny is saddled and ready. Tethered
to his trailer, he strikes hoof against pavement
counting out the ticks of time. A cloud-cast day.
The Pony’s late – river trail obliterated by trees
fallen in winter storms. Incoming horse and rider
should be here by now, mochila switched
to Manny’s saddle. Pewter clouds are no obstacle
to the Sun’s course as it drops below treeline.
It’s dark now. Manny’s rider untethers him
and he sets to circling her; he’s the clock’s
second-hand, impatient to make time pass.
Faster, faster. He wants to run.
~ Taylor Graham
