There Comes a Day...

When nerve and muscle no longer obey
the eager spirit - There comes a day;
When courage gives way to caution, and you
begin to find reasons not to do;
When high adventure has lost its zest.
Then it's time for a reckoning - what is best?

So hark, young friends, as I tell it to you,
for surely at last you will be here too.
We flew that hedge, my horse and I.
Now suddenly we pass it by;
Was it not just the other day?
He pricks his ears - I turn away.
Must all that joy belong to the past?
Is there nothing left that still can last?
Perhaps a way may yet be found -
Yes, there is a lesser middle ground.

The call of the trail, the glow of the ride -
a woodland walk with shortened stride;
For the sun still warms and water gleams
as ripples flow down the tumbling streams.
The wind blows fresh and spirits mend
with the horse you love - that comforting friend.