Bred by Nez Perce tribes
along the Palouse River, your ancestors
gave you those most-pleasing traits.
You spotted horse, with the distinct
sclera, not two of you look quite
alike in markings of the hide—

Once, some stuck-up lover
of another breed scoffed at the sight of you:
“This Indian horse is the only breed
the lamest warrior could catch with ease.”

I walk each welcome morning ~ if I can.
I met a man adorning
A cloak, he gave no warning.

No warning of his being ~ not at all,
I heard him call, him seeing
My inhibitions fleeing.

"You may stare with wide fixed eyes" ~ said he now,
"I shall tell how you may rise
With me as I am the wise".

I felt my heart was lifted ~ up above
To where no love has existed
And where my soul had drifted.

Just let us paint the shadows
time and again,
and put a smile on those colors
to grin at their reflection.
No one has to know the struggle within,
there’s a secret and each of us knows -
just put a smile on your reflection.

Sell us hopes and smoke the mirrors
where they rest in perfect symmetry,
don’t let them go astray!
The past and the future melt into a single grin,
and you can sell us hopes, from time to time,
to hold the pains at bay.

Twas a dark and bitter night
My breath froze in front of me
Droplets scarring the snow below
Just a little further to go

With each step, I paused
Only to hear footfalls behind
Slowly I turned, but no one was there
A cold breeze circled and raised every hair

Suddenly the moon grew eerily bright
A silhouette drifted from its silver strands
As it weaved throughout the trees
I held my breath, hoping it wouldn't see