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| Farewell to a Friend The first time I saw him, an alarm went off in my head. "Don't buy the first one, look at some others instead." But my heart had to have its two cents worth as well, And I dug out my checkbook in spite of that warning bell. His breeding was great, his conformation almost just right. Shimmering slick with his black bay coat, socks of glistening white. I fell in love with the way he looked, so arrogant and proud. With more snap an dsparkle than should be legally allowed. But the gentleness in his eyes even more than his pride, Reached into my soul, forming a bond of trust that never died. Though rowdy and coltish, stubborn and pushy now and then, The kindness of his heart was triumphant time and again. He tried my patience once or twice and kept me on my toes. While training him to ride, of course we had our highs and lows. He came out from under me a time or two, it is true, Mostly my fault, from doing things I knew I should not do. There were no trophies and no ribbons from a horse show ring, Just the hours of pleasure that a really good horse can bring. Miles and miles of rocky trails, o'er hills and valleys galore. My worries were replaced by inner peace and so much more, For years we shared a path, my trusted Arab friend and me. But retirement in lush pastures for him was not to be. At eighteen years, the vet sdaid there was no hope, no known cure For the horror that was suffocating this life so pure. Much I owed himn, for ahours in th esaddle, all the joy. A peaceful end for this gentle soul, my beautiful boy. Grief and sadness crushing so heavily upon my heart, A final hug, a loving pat, my friend and I did part. I long to stroke his silky neck, a kiss from his velvet nose, Or see him nibble petals from a softly withered rose. I miss his whinny each morning, sometimes I call his name, But he has his shady meadow, never again to be lame. I am sure he has knee deep grass and nary a fly in sight, Never wears a sweaty blanket or feels a cinch too tight. I'm sure the angels feed him crunchy carrots now and then And give him lots of hugs and kisses til our trails meet again. - Bev Gray McAllister In Memory of Khe Judah Feroukh, aka "Jughead" February 9, 1980 - April 6, 1998 |
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