the first thing a woman
notices about him are his hands
big enough to wrangle the wildest filly
if she lets him
strong hands
that can hold and warm her
make her quiver when he touches
the back of her neck

no average horseman
this one let's the ladies
come to him
he's known for many lifetimes
not to show fear
his instincts are his guide to
magical places
warm and wet spaces
where comfort and empathy are
as real as his rejected
disappointed
pain

she knows he'll break her heart
he told her as much
after the first time
he knows when
he touched her
with those hands
he healed her heart
she felt loved

the first time will be the last
if she gets too close
with abstract words
love
intimacy
forever
that which cannot be touched
are threats to his
fragile heart
the horseman's hands
no longer greet and please
now five-fingered stop signs
warning her to stay away