thanks,& news

[littlehawk]

Thanks very much to everyone who responded to my introduction; and to Fred,yeah,off the clickies!; I'm way burned out w/exclusion..
I wanted to respond to each welcome individually, but my week got in the way, and I had to sit and absorb the fact that my first lesson horse, Pluto the Lippizaner, had to get put down a few days ago. He was old, almost 24, not ancient for a Lippizan, but something burst inside of him, and he cantered on...I wrote a poem for him.

I went to the stables today today, and proceeded to clean saddles, when my instructor up and put me on a pony,bareback. Her assistant led me around the arena, then I needed to do it for myself. It was wonderful (Cinnamon is pudgy, so a soft seat!) and weird; my balance is off-kilter. Next week I start phys.therapy, so onward. My instructor is going to put me on Major, my 2nd student horse,next week, on a lounge line.

I really appreciate the responses to my introduction; you all sound so nice, and I'm happy to be here. If this format can support my poem to Pluto, the Wonder Lippizaner, I will send it, just to share. Terry

[nakedescapee]

How sad for you to loose Pluto! :( I still cry for the paint mare I had as a teen. We never get over our first love do we?

I used to ride bareback as a kid and I remember it was hard to balance when I first started but, when I got the mechanics down, it was easy... don't ask me to do it now though. It's all I can do to stay balanced on the trot! :rolleyes:

[FreedomStar]

nooo!! I read your poem, it is beautiful, and was wondering what inspired it..now I know. I'm sorry for your loss, but it happens. We need to learn and move on. I hope you don't mind if I add your poem to my collection of the best horse poems, I'm keeping the ones that I think are really good in a word document.

[nakedescapee]

Here is one of my favorites:

The Woman I will Be

I shall wear diamonds and a wide brimmed straw hat with ribbons and flowers on it
And I shall spend my social security on white wine and carrots
And sit in the alley of my barn and listen to my horses breathe.
I will sneak out in the middle of a summer's night
And ride the dappled mare across the moonstruck meadow, if my old bones will allow.
and when people come to call, I will smile and nod,
As I walk them past the gardens to the barn
And show, instead, the flowers growing there
In stalls fresh-lined with straw.
I will shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel.
And I will be an embarrassment of all who look down on me
Who have not yet found the peace in being free
To love a horse as a friend, a friend who waits at midnight hour
With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes
For the kind of woman I will be when I am old

[Billybo]

Oh wow, nakedescapee, I LOVED that! Not good, reading it in my work, though, 'cos I've got tears in my eyes!

Thank you so much for sharing that. That's what I'm gonna be, with my ponies!

Mags

[littlehawk]

(i'm having trouble figuring out how to reply..)

but, yes, reckon I had to have a first love, and so grateful it was a Lippizan (read childhood heartpound manifested). I love your poem you posted; have to print it out...great resonation,yeah,I'm there, gonna be there...did you write this? Oh, one thing: I left out a word in my poem, and it bothers me greatly : so, you'all, please insert, at second to last stanza, the word "sweet" before "grass", as in " a tuft of sweet grass beside water?" I'm so sorry that got left out, but it's important to the poem!

[littlehawk]

no, I don't mind if you add my poem to your collection; please see my reply to nakedescapee, as i left out a word,inadvertantly...and,yes,moving along is the only thing to do.

I hadn't written a poem in 20 years, 'till this one. Pluto was, and is, a great teacher. I wrote to my instructor, that Pluto is likely to show up at the oddest moments, with a "see, this is what I was trying to show you!" Masters don't "die".

Thank you, and thanks to everyone who has viewed the poem. Glad you liked it. Glad Pluto was around to give it.

[littlehawk]

where does your signature come from? i've just started reading some science fiction again, after some hiatus or another..

[SwiftwindSpirit]

Hi LittleHawk, Welcome to New Rider.
I am very sorry to hear what had happened. At least she is no longer in pain. :(

[SwiftwindSpirit]

Originally posted by littlehawk
where does your signature come from? i've just started reading some science fiction again, after some hiatus or another..

I think Freedomstar's signature comes from the new Harry Potter book! :D

[littlehawk]

thanks! i might be the only person in the world who hasn't read Henry Potter...and,from your quote, i've had a feeling that's where Heaven is! i'll remember that this wednesday, when i look at Major's tall back...

[nakedescapee]

...did you write this?

Oh my goodness no! I don't know who wrote it, there is no signature on it... I got it from a site I visit regularly. I only wish I could write such beautiful poetry as this and as yours!