Hillside Horse Sense
These horses wear their blankets in the chill
Of April air, cloth ugliness devised
To keep them warm but also making ill
A lovely scene. Though practicallyadvised,
From sloping beauty’s point of view
There on the gentle field of freshest springtime green,
The plain and tatty coverings, blots upon
The Surrey morning, would be better seen
As kindnesses. They match the mild-light tilt
Of human decency. A world of war
Is not for these sweet-natured beasts here gilt
In sunshine, careful love and maybe more
Than they can understand. But comprehend
What’s good they do. They do not condescend.