A Brush with Death

A Brush with Death

I
A beautiful Florida morning;
Phlox soak up the rays of the early sun.
Adventure often comes without warning;
Nature is full of energy and fun.

A bucket holding a handful of corn
Is my ticket for a bareback horse ride.
Walking through the field where a trail was worn,
I sang songs from my heart which set my stride.

I spied the horses in the Back Field;
The Thoroughbred was lying on the ground.
The Quarter horse grazed on nature's yield,
The Pinto frolicked near a grassy mound.

Farm life for a young boy is a pleasure.
A world of adventure is its treasure.

II
Singing my tunes while stalking the horses,
I did not see the event I had styled.
Violating one of nature's forces,
I stepped between a Mother and child.

The Mother, a tan colored Brahma mix,
Snorted and bawled, then flung her dehorned head.
A raging cow! What a terrible fix.
No time for error, my groping mind sped.

I knew she'd catch me if I tried to run.
I assumed a basketball guard stance,
She shot toward me. Now, it's one on one.
I held the pail. My world began to dance.

What do you do when you are facing death?
Will your faith hold even through your last breath?

III
The feed bucket was my only weapon;
I would hit her face while I spun away.
I watched her moves in her charging run
I sought clues to help me make my grand play.

No audience watched this thrilling scene;
How often people face death alone.
Will you panic or plan in peace, serene,
As you meet your life's adventures head on.

Her muscles moved smoothly and with grace.
She honed the aim of her blunt head.
I could feel the breath from her angry face.
I steadied myself and swallowed my dread.

The surreal climactic moment has arrived.
In a flash, I will know what fate connived.

IV
Steady, now. Ready, now. I timed my play.
I tensed to strike, the cow stiffed her limbs.
She bounced to a stop and spun away.
It is hard to regroup while your head swims.

Warily, I left knowing I had won.
When I was clear the cow ran to her calf.
I prayed on my way to thank that One
Who gave protective strength in my behalf.

Over time, I have faced more such events,
These times put my character on a forge
Strengthening my faith and my life intents.
As I bravely stand up to life's worse scourge.

As long as I live, I'll never forget
Facing death with a will that did not quit.

-William