Here’s a poetic kaleidoscope of Opening Meet images conjured up by Martha Drum the evening before, while braiding her horse and cleaning her tack.
Opening Meet! Hounds assemble
Veterans chitchat, newbies tremble
Chilly wind, sky clear blue
Scent on frost, turning dew
Youngest rider nods and yawns
Oldest recalls many such dawns
Gents and ladies grin and greet
Ponies yank to reach and eat
Scarlet coats, mounts in braids
Flasks, in case courage fades
Some in perfect kit adorned
Others serviceably well-worn
Green horse wheels and tries to buck
Old horse naps beside the truck
Reynard observes noise and bustle
Slinks away without a rustle
Huntsman checks watch and horn
Masters fret on crops and corn
Sterns aloft, from sire to pup
Noses down, their blood is up
All are gathered, thanks are given
The Master nods—“Lieu in, lieu in!”
Martha Drum is a serious foxhunter. She chairs the Membership Committee for the Farmington Hunt Club (VA), and is also a member of the Keswick Hunt (VA) and the Norfolk Hunt (MA).
Posted November 13, 2014