Thomas Hobson (1544 –1631)
in 19th century late
a Cambridge ostler and postal carrier
set his priorities straight
he owned a livery stable
of 40 Hackney horses or more
plus boots bridles and whips
and put the horse the cart before
after the animal left the barn
by bolting fast the door
and as precautionary balm
the nag nearest the stable gate
the worn-out equine storm to calm
was the firm rule he did make
this one or none in the stall
was that which customers had to take
or do with no ride at all
but for the paying equestrians
either way they win or lose
as there was no choice but accept or reject
for any of them to choose
Storm clouds overhead,
Rain in the forecast.
Wind's picking up,
Loose leaves soar past.
The skies open up,
Here comes the rain.
Loose leaves flowing,
Down a storm drain.
Streets are awash,
Umbrellas are high.
Pedestrians run,
Trying to keep dry.
Taxis drive past,
Splash pedestrians.
Their pace picks up,
Like Equestrians.
The storm clouds pass,
The wind whispers by.
The sun comes out,
And the streets run dry.
I'm laying here wondering
why things aren't free
could it be society blundering
that could be the key
I do not condone
the behavior of ancient Rome
yet they had entertainment
that didn't require a payment
I'll stay on that subject
a particular aspect
it was offered to the Plebs
Patricians and Equestrians regardless of their threads
Something when awry with Adam Smith's stand
a result of a greedy clan
this stuff just went through my head
"Give us this day our daily bread"
Nothing is so beautiful
as equestrian events,
watching graceful horses,
while droppings add their scents.
For true equine lovers,
there is such a thrill
in the coordination of
a well-performed quadrille.
This is one Olympic sport,
where both he and she compete.
Jumping fences or dressage;
they're equal at the meet.
SIX AND SO SICK
into the eternal. far from the real
saddened by six bells which no longer peel
six clappers stand now, stilled and so quiet
death took them away and life could not deny it
extinguished were six flames, flickering names
players were they in such dangerous games
equestrians, gamesmen, strong upon steed
but unmounted and showed did their need
gone into the eternal by me they'll be missed
gallant they rode into smoke of the mist
my eyes saw as they rode, and a tear did I form
their end, although painful, was far from the norm
choking and vomiting, death was not calm
did once all they wanted was a shot in the arm
paid they the price for their weakness of soul
now six of them lay six feet deep in a hole
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