Among the adventures that fell before me in the summer of '79 was learning to ride horseback. The ranch was up in the Berkeley Hills, perhaps fifty rugged acres that were well suited for a stables.
From the corral Bill and I guided our horses over several sharp gullys, then thru a deep woods where it was virtually impossible to see beyond the next stride. Eventually we came out on one of the slightly graveled trails. Bill was just behind me when I decided to see what my mare could do.
She responded like a cross between a Lincoln and a Jaguar, and in less than two seconds I was galloping due West. I heard Bill hollering at me to "Stop!"
About half a mile down, a steady pull on the reigns quickly slowed my horse to a stop. Seconds later my pal skidded to a stop, swearing furiously.
I think his last words were something like, "You could've fallen off and busted your fool neck, goddammit!"
I was welded to the saddle with a two-inch belt that was cinched tight, but
I considered Bill's concerns. Leaned forward, stroking Molly's
neck. "Can't know what's around the next bend," was all I said.
When we let this winding be a meditation—
its adventures traversing hills and dales,
vagrant streams, and bruising rocks—
we discover bliss within the trek,
our journey the destination,
the universe our companion.
At the mercy of Fate's caprice
tiger-stealth shadows every step.
Traveling this forest of possibilities,
dappled with shade and underbrush,
the future is unknowable.
Along this path, from the four directions,
the unexpected comes,
as death comes,
as life and light and wonder come.
The unforeseen lends dread and zest
to this magnificent journey.
