Newborns

The horses are still. Some may be sleeping,
others hold that blank, vacant stare.
Those black marbled eyes look right through you.

We fit each with a rain sheet, wrap their newborn-like
bodies from tail to mane and leave them
in the paddocks to stand in the rain.

Are we old, then? When were we last clothed?
What did we learn? Some do dress appropriately.
Boots, raincoats, waterproof trousers and thick socks.

Others look pale, thin, holding that empty gaze
unknowing why they’re shivering.
So they roll cigarettes, heat their lungs,

give their bodies some warmth that no one sees.