Why Not Horses?

Published by Rita Mock-Pike at November 20, 2021

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Poetry inspired by Psalm 8.

This friend I have,
she speaks dominion over bees.
They buzz around –
she commands their exit.
They obey.

On reflection
and consideration of life,
it’s a strange and wonderful thing
to come in the image of God
Creator King
of all the universe.

Given dominion over the beasts of the field
the birds of air,
the fish of the sea.
Dominion over insects that buzz
and pester
and aggravate
while we hang out in tents
in state parks.

We do not command
as God commands.
We do not,
by existence,
command obedience.

But I’ve witnessed horses
rear back and whinny,
singing their praise in a voice of flurry,
respond to songs
filled with praise of God.
I’ve heard birds twitter back
when hymns are sung
worshipping God,
praising God’s name.

And even that cat once I held dear
responded to the name of God.
Maybe my imagination,
maybe my hope to see creation
Respond
Reply
resound with praise.

But maybe not.

There is this passage,
this song of creation
that even babies utter praise
and worship the King.
Why not a fish
who coughs up a coin?
Or a bird who has value in the eyes of God?
Why not a horse prancing with majesty
in her movements?
Or leviathan playing in the sea?
They are God’s.

We are God’s.
Gifted with God’s image
Graced with God’s crown of glory
Loved,
beloved –
created for God’s pleasure,
created in God’s wisdom.

If we don’t praise God,
who will?
Rocks that cry out?

So why not a bird, a horse, or a fish?
Why not a turtle crossing the road?
Why not us?
We are God’s creation all.

Looking for more poetry? Check out these pieces from MockingOwl Roost contributors and staff.

Rita Mock-Pike

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Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.