“Gentle in the stable, Good in harness”
(Advertising in “Le Paysan Breton” for a mare for sale.)
The old mare is tired from being too exploited, too poorly-nourished, too brutalized.
She’s tired from hearing talk more often of “Getty-up!” than of oats!
Never a kind word, never a caress.
Nor a gesture in recognition of her loyal service.
She’s the best mare! She’s going to resist, to fight, to protest, to rise up.
She was used too much, and her blood is bitter.
“BRITTANY” is the name of that mare…
3/6/78.
Translated by Lenora Timm
