|
Tributes, Memorials & Poems
A
Mare’s Prayer
With
every birth I pray to God that this will be one,
To go to that special place where he’ll be doted on with love.
As another life is born to me I nuzzle him with care,
Let me introduce myself, I am a PMU mare.
Each
moment is so precious; I try not to get attached,
But his innocence is refreshing, his beauty is unmatched.
He frolics with the others; they don’t know what lies ahead,
All the mares are uneasy for back to the barns we are led.
The
foals cry out in panic they don’t know what’s in store,
Some will go to feedlots and others to the East shore.
I breathe a sigh of relief, as he’s loaded on the truck,
For he will go to Vermont – being chosen is mere luck.
With
him goes a piece of myself hiding in his heart,
Finally the freedom from this life I will too depart.
He will never be alone, never be abused,
His flesh will never make a profit for those that misuse.
Hidden
in the green mountains, there’s a special place they say,
Where foals are always welcome to live and romp and play.
I pray he finds that place, so he does not go to kill,
They find the foals good homes - this place is called Spring Hill.
Gina
L. Brown – Spring Hill Horse Rescue, Brandon, Vt
www.springhillrescue.com
-Dedicated
the hundreds of thousands of PMU foals that aren’t as fortunate.
Free
Horse
by
Gina Brown, Spring Hill Horse Rescue
She
comes to me with grief and sorrow,
“Goodbye old friend, for us there’s no tomorrow.”
For years she rode
upon my strong back,
laughing and giggling; love I didn’t lack.
But my stride is now slower, my back a bit swayed,
and another has come to take my place.
“Free
Horse” was written in the ad,
“must provide a loving home, he must go, we are sad.”
A woman comes down the drive, trailer in tow, “
I will take your horse and give him a loving home.
He will have fresh water, food and room to roam.”
She
pats my head one last time with tears in her eyes.
“Be a good boy“, she says with a slow sigh.
As I step onto the trailer something seems wrong,
“You’ll have a new home, it won’t be long”.
For hours we drove, my legs tired and aching.
Day turned into night; no food or water, all was forsaken.
As
the truck comes to a sudden stop,
I see many others crammed into a Lot.
Something is wrong, I know from the look in their eyes.
Biting and kicking; the air fills with frantic cries.
“Come
on, get off! Lets go old guy.
You’ll bring good money, your flesh they will buy.”
Tethered to a wall I stand, my flanks sunken with thirst.
My belly aches from hunger, could it get any worse?
The woman comes again; I nudge her with my head.
“A little hay”, I plead, “You‘re next”, was all she said.
“Here’s
a nice fat one, Boys, no groceries he lacks.
Five hundred dollars! Sold! Put him outback!”
Something is wrong I know, something isn’t quite right.
Onto another trailer I go into the night.
Still no food or water my strength is fading fast.
The memories of my old home are soon to pass.
No loving touch, no treats, no green pastures to run.
Something is wrong I know, something must be done.
I
cannot move as my legs throb with pain,
harsh blows to my back come from a wood cane.
“Let’s go! Get moving! I have no time for this!”
“I cannot move, I will not!” I insist.
Whack! Another blow, I don’t understand.
“Be a good boy” she had said, so I went with the man.
I
am stuffed in a pen with others like me.
Heads hanging low, like nothing I’d ever seen.
Something was wrong I know as I am herded in a line.
Something smells horrid, surely a bad sign.
As the dark room gets closer my head fills with doubt.
What is that place the others go in but never come out?
The stench of death is thick my heart starts to race.
Something is wrong, I need to get out of this place!
Where’s
that girl that use to love me so?
Surely this place she wouldn’t want me to go.
“Keep ‘em moving!” A man yelled, waiving a cane.
What’s that thing in his hand, he must be insane!
I’m shoved through a narrow chute the door slams behind me.
The stench is worse the darkness blinds me.
A hand comes toward my face, a gentle rub perhaps? A nice change of pace.
Bang!
A shot rings out. A bolt enters my head.
Shear pain I have never felt but I am not yet dead.
My
hind legs are shackled as I am hoisted above.
I man walks toward me wearing long gloves.
The last thing I feel is the sharp pain of a knife.
As the blood drains from my body, I reflect on my life.
Unconditional love, loyalty, and faithful hard work.
My usefulness was gone, my dignity overlooked.
Memories of the girl that loved me run through my head.
The time is near; soon I’ll be dead.
She
comes to me with grief and sorrow,
“Goodbye old friend, for you there’s no tomorrow.”
Dedicated to all abused animals, especially horses.
Once abused
never accused
what a horrible life you have had.
but now your mine
forever fine
what a wonderful tragedy
Masculine beauty
along with grace
always leave a trace
Emotions flow
creating a glow
an aura that can never fade
Crimson blood
brooding, stirring
pumping
Rushing through
large arteries and veins
of the beast
feared by most
but not by all
adored by me.
Written by: SB.
My Old Friend
My Old Friend I recall the times we had hanging on my wall
I wouldn't trade them for gold
Cause they laugh and cry me and somehow' sanctify me
And they are woven in the stories I have told and tell again
My old friend this song's for you
Cause a few simple verses was the least I could do
To tell the world you were here and the Love and Laughter will live on long after
All of the sadness and tears and We'll meet again my old friend
Happy Trails
From Tim McGraw "My Old Friend"
Katie Girl
 Rescued
from slaughter Sept. 1st, 2001.
Peacefully
passed away on June 18th, 2002.
Don’t
grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
My pain was lifted when I heard Him call,
And you stood beside me through it all.
Be
not burdened with times of sorrow,
I’ll shine with the sun in each tomorrow.
My last year’s been full, I savored much.
Tasty
treats, long groomings, and your gentle, loving touch.
Perhaps
our time together seemed too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, you set me free.
Original Author of Poem
Unknown – revised by Gina Brown
|
