For G.

In the barn,
Four horses stand --
Heads down, lips nibbling,
Consuming this day's portion of grain --

Their coats dull and matted,
Hip bones protruding,
Ribs exposed,
Tails chewed off.

They stand new to this barn,
This ranch.
Seized last week --
Brought here in rescue.

On the TV, politicians argue
While mothers weep.
A nation demands answers;
Our children need rescue.

Over the Internet, a young girl
Posts her private drama,
And publicly weeps.
Surely she, too, needs rescue.

Rescue siezes, storms;
Preaches, pontificates.
Points fingers;
Issues mandates.

Rescue is a knight in
Shining armor --
Sword drawn, trumpet blaring;
Heroic, but so damn shiny.

In the barn, horses eat.
A nation mourns;
A daughter cries.
Now the real work begins.

Healing feeds, refreshes.
Prays, hopes, and waits.
Brushes cockleburs from matted hair;
Dries tears from swollen faces.

Healing is an old, wrinkly woman,
Murmuring comfort,
Wise with knowing,
Smiling in her silvery glow.

Rescue sees the damage,
Fears the pain,
Feeds on the drama --
Judging, self-righteous.

Healing sees the life left,
Supports the helpers,
Rejoices in small victories --
Guarding, hopeful.

In the corral, horses drink:
Afraid to separate,
The four move together --
Survivors.

A nation screams;
Solutions shriek.
But healing whispers --
A smile, a soft song.

Kindnesses replace suspicion;
Connection pusehs away fear;
A daughter plays in the snow;
Her eyes brighten.

Healing's path winds
Backwards and forwards.
More shots ring out;
Dark days descend.

Horses recover slowly --
Weeks, months, years - sometimes never.
Broken teeth and hooves repaired;
More pain in order to heal.

Today, release for the gelding:
Turned into pasture with healthy horses --
He lingers at the gate, nickering;
Then wheels, runs free and safe.

Rescue asks why.
Seeks to save, to stem the hurt.
Healing asks how.
Seeks to change, to build the good.

Rescue is the sun;
Healing the moon.
Rescue is for now;
Healing for always.

In the barn, a new day.
Three horses stand,
Heads down, lips nibbling;
Slowly returning to life.