What the air does out here
The ride ends at the porch, and the boots come off at the door. The saddle is soaped and hung, the light is stretching out behind the barn, and the evening reads soft leather and wildflowers over sweet woods. The day did everything it was asked. The porch is where it files the report.
Who rides with it
Evening riders who walk the last quarter mile to cool the horse. The porch dog, holding down the second chair like a paid position. Whoever picked the wildflowers in the jelly jar, who declines to be thanked. They rode home in the same fist as the reins, which is the only bouquet delivery this county offers.
Pair it at the next stop
The other half of the pair hangs one marker back, work pants on the line at Cowboy Britches, Mile 78. And the porch is only intermission. Come Saturday the boots go back on and point up the road to Leather & Lace, Mile 82.