By: fran

fran — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:59:34 +0000

Hi, that’s only a small part of this beautiful poem, which is often read at the funerals of farriers.

You have also slightly misquoted the poet by editing his verse.

It is actually: “The hoofs of the horses!—Oh! witching and sweet
Is the music earth steals from the iron-shod feet;
No whisper of lover, no trilling of bird
Can stir me as hoofs of the horses have stirred.”

It’s this last verse, though, that is often read at funerals:

“When you lay me to slumber no spot can you choose
But will ring to the rhythm of galloping shoes,
And under the daisies no grave be so deep
But the hoofs of the horses shall sound in my sleep.”

Will Ogilvie also wrote incredible poetry about the horses of Australia.

In my mind, he is one of the very best poets of horse subjects ever.

You should read more of his poems, they are wonderful!

Comments on: The Hooves of Horses

By: fran

By: dot