RESCUE

by: Genile Rawson

 

I don’t understand. Where did she go? That young woman I’ve always known..

Who loved me lots and brushed my coat.  I’m here alone and miss the shows.

I know she loved me very much.  She told me so each day.

Her hands were gentle on my bit as she rode me on our way.

 

I’m waiting for her to come home this week   She said it won’t be long.

She went to school up north a while. Learning music, flute and song.

Father takes care of me, but only just to feed. I understand his fear I think. 

 He’d really rather be, any place away from me and my big old hooves and teeth.

 

But, what is this? A trailer comes, could it be my friend?

At last perhaps a fun show, or just a trail ride, in the wind?

We drove and drove for hours, the ride was kind of rough.

The driver jerked and braked a lot. I’m wondering, is he drunk?

 

At last the show! I see it now! Horses of all sizes! 

They sure are making lots of noise. Must be winning lots of prizes!

 But wait, what’s this? I don’t see her! And some are sick and hurt. 

 And donkeys over in that stall are covered with filth and dirt! 

 

The driver gives my rope away, I’m led down a concrete isle

And made to stand  in putrid mud. It turns into quite a while.

Lots of people stop and stare. They do a lot of talking.

They look at all my good points and like the way I’m walking.

                      

Now I know it’s not a show, an auction is where I am.

Father decided to sell me to that awful trader man.

I’m scared and now I’m worried, they lead me down the isle

It’s my turn at the auction block, then I’m loaded in a van.

 

R.E.S.C.U.E. and Dusty Trails,  I don’t know those words.

On the truck are those words, I have never seen.

I’m taken to a real nice place, the stalls so clean and bright!

The meadow goes forever, and the grass is just so green!

 

I’m brushed and fed and let out to run.  There are other horses here

A little donkey brays at me. I laugh at his huge ears!

A horse vet comes to see me, “What I don’t get,” she says,

“Is why they sold this horse that way,” “It beats me all to heck!”

 

“He’s about 20, strong, sweet and kind.”, “I really have to tell you,”

“They must be out of their minds!” 

“He could have wound up with anyone,”

“A butcher or knacker man, and none of them too kind!”

 

One more day I wait. I’m not sure why I’m here.

But wait, I hear a familiar voice, someone comes this way!

It’s my friend and Father, they both are crying tears!

The rescue lady points me out, the donkey gladly brays!

 

“I’m so sorry daughter.” I guess I didn’t know.”

Just how much you loved him,” “Or I’d never have let him go.”

“I was raised by farmers, who kept no idle horse.”

“They sold the older animals and kept the young, of course.”

 

“I know now how you missed him, while you were away.’

And from the looks of things today, he thinks you must wear wings!”

Father laughed and grabbed my lead. And drove us home that day.

Thanks to R.E.S.C.U.E. I’m now home, where I’ll always be!!