Ode to Bill – we can never escape the goodbyes …
None of us who love and own animals can escape the goodbyes.
I know for us personally it’s been a year of goodbyes but as the months have passed and we begin to heal, the lives of the horses we loved are now being celebrated in many different ways. I felt a bond with Charlotte Bannah when I read her touching poem to Bill her Pony Club horse and I
decided it should be shared. What a wonderful way to celebrate her dear Bill’s life.
The photograph is of Charlotte saying goodbye to Bill and this in turn inspired her touching poem.
Both Charlotte and I have left a small legacy to the horses we love with words. I wrote a story of loss and healing titled “In Two Minds” and Charlotte composed her “Ode to Bill” both were published in the 2013 FAWQ Anthology,“Tales from our Verandah”.
Ode to Bill
words Charlotte Bannah
He was beautiful big and bay,
So strong beneath my seat,
His coat had dulled and flecked with grey,
Less steady on his feet.
As we’d clip clop along the trail,
“Well done my boy!” I’d say.
With a swish swash of his long tail
He’d echo his sweet neigh.
Muscular movements he still had
Despite his many years.
One eye was blind, you’d think this bad,
But he’d just use his ears.
He had a special dinner,
Cause his teeth were missin’,
I tell ya he was a winner
Right from the beginnin’.
We were champions together,
Won prizes all the time,
In all kinds of crazy weather-
Winning is not a crime.
Upon his back free as a bird
I never will forget it.
Run free with the heavenly herd
Still champing at the bit.
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