In Homage to the Long Distance Riders

The meeting of the Long Riders at the Royal Geographical Society in 2005

Who are the ‘Long Riders’ and what do they know

Where have they come from and where do they go?

 

They travel on horseback like the people of yore

The stars are their ceiling the grassland their floor.

 

They ride from the east and they ride from the west

They travel to travel to be the world’s guest

 

Who are the long riders and what do they know

Where do they ride from and where do they go?

 

They ride from the north and they ride from the south

With the wind in their pockets the rain in their mouth

 

They see the bald eagles they hear the wild wolves

Their horses protect them for horses aren’t fools

 

Who are the long riders and what do they know

Where do they ride from and where do they go?

 

They ride across mountains and forests and streams

Their pen is their amour their paper a shield.

 

They arrive without warning they leave when they may

A week is a whisper and a lark is a day.

 

Who are the long riders and what do they know

Where do they ride from and where do they go?

 

Tell me long rider what makes you so wise

With your wind-beaten features and lonely green eyes?

 

Tell me long rider of the perfume of day

Of the sage and the soil and the scent of the hay.

 

Oh tell me long rider when the moon lights your way

Are your shadows behind you, did you throw them away?

 

Who are the long riders and what do they know

Where do they ride from and where do they go?

 

Tell me long rider when your riding is through

Will you come to my door or must I come to you?

 

Caroline Baldock©2005

“Photo courtesy of the Long Riders’ Guild”?
Thank you CuCullaine

http://www.thelongridersguild.com