The Sheriff's Saddle

Reporting something Otis and I found on the trail this morning, I had a chance to snap a photo of the Western saddle on display in the Sheriff’s Office foyer.

The Sheriff's Saddle

It’s a serious saddle, for heavy riding

as needed. A mountain saddle designed

for our rugged canyons, ridges, and peaks.

It sits on its sawhorse with its partners

bridle and spurs, behind barrier tape, lest

someone nostalgic for the rhythm

of hoofbeats on free land try to mount

the leather seat polished by years of trails.

It’s the Sheriff’s saddle, Bible in one

of the saddlebags; in the other, copies

of the United States Constitution:

“The Sheriff must uphold and defend

this sacred document.”

~ Taylor Graham