"Just a Horse?

From time to time, people tell me, 'lighten up, it's just a horse,' or, 'that's a lot of money for just a horse'. They don't understand the distance travelled, the time spent, or the costs involved for 'just a horse.'

Some of my proudest moments have come about with 'just a horse.' Many hours have passed and my only company was 'just a horse,' but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by 'just a horse,' and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of 'just a horse' gave me comfort and reason to overcome the dark.

Those who think it's 'just a horse,' probably also use phrases like 'just a friend,' 'just a sunrise,' or 'just a promise.' 'Just a horse' brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. 'Just a horse' brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of 'just a horse' I rise early, take long walks, and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not 'just a horse' but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

'Just a horse' brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday others have the opportunity to understand that it's not 'just a horse' but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being 'just a woman.'

So the next time you hear the phrase 'just a horse,' smile. You are one of the blessed few who understands.

The Old Brown Horse

The old brown horse looks over the fence
In a weary sort of way.
He seems to be saying to all who pass:
“Well, folks, I've had my day-
I'm simply watching the world go by,
And nobody seems to mind,
As they're dashing past in their motor-cars,
A horse who is lame and half-blind.”

The old brown horse has a shaggy coat,
But once he was young and trim,
And he used to trot through the woods and lanes
With the man who was fond of him.
But his master rides in a motor-car,
And it makes him feel quite sad
When he thinks of the days that used to be,
And of all the times they had.

Sometimes a friendly soul will stop
Near the fence, where the tired old head
Rests wearily on the topmost bar,
And a friendly word is said.
Then the old brown horse gives a little sigh
As he feels the kindly touch
Of a hand on his mane or his shaggy coat,
And he doesn't mind so much.

So if you pass by the field one day,
Just stop for a word or two
With the old brown horse who was once as young
And as full of life as you.
He'll love the touch of your soft young hand,
And I know he'll seem to say
“Oh, thank you, friend, for the kindly thought
For a horse who has had his day.”

By W. F. Holmes

Don't Mourn for Me

Don't mourn for me
Dear owner, kind and true.
I know that you will miss me
As I will also think of you.

We shared so many secrets;
those you whispered in my ear.
I've kept those secrets for you
lest anyone would hear.

And in return you've kept me
from being turned out in the cold.
You've fed, watered, and cared for me
while we both grew old.

But God had called and needs me;
He says that it is time
I claim that sweet reward
in a kinder, green clime.

He promises sweeter clover,
clear water, rich and pure.
I'll never have to suffer
from wounds that humans cannot cure.

I'll romp and play all day
with others he has called hither.
I'll have so many new friends
that will scratch upon my wither.

I'll be watching out for you
when comes your judgment day
and together towards the pearly gates
we again will ride away!

Author Unknown