Ballad of Ember and Steed

Beneath the sun’s fierce golden glare, 
A rider steadied her restless mare. 
Four mounds of earth still warm with grief, 
Held shadows lost to time’s relief.

Her coat was speckled white and black.
A fleeting gift she’d not give back.
The plains stretched wide a boundless sea,
Where guilt and shame sought amnesty. 

With spurs’ soft touch they leapt ahead, 
Through dust that danced, where words had fled. 
No glance behind, no tearful plea, 
Just freedom’s call to you and me. 

The noon-day heat bore down like fate
On sweat-streaked hide and heart elate. 
She drank from streams, he broke his bread
Regret their only constant thread. 

A canyon yawned its mouth agape,
And danger stirred in ambush shape. 
Three figures loomed, death’s cruel design, 
Yet courage bloomed in hearts aligned. 

One shot rang true, then two, then three 
Freed by the bond of unity. 
Through narrow walls they burst anew 
Their triumph bright as morning dew. 

Together now through twilight’s glow 
They wandered paths none else would know. 
Each step a vow, each breath a start 
To mend the rift within the heart.