by Jennifer Geitenbeek

Created on: November 19, 2010   Last Updated: November 28, 2010

I woke up on my birthday,

feeling rather sick,

the night had been horrible,

the day was turning worse.

The spots confirmed my greatest fear,

For measles I had caught,

a birthday stuck with measles,

a truly horrible thought.

My mum said “lets go out,

for a lovely trail ride",

sick or not, I was there,

on a lovely palomino.

My face showing smiles and pride,

the ride, it was a rough one,

I hadn't learned to well,

we bounced and bopped,

and skipped and hopped,

we didn't seem to gel.

The ride was finally over,

my mum said "not too soon",

but if I found I could handle him,

this horse would soon be mine.

For years we trekked the countryside,

and had a joyous time,

you carried me through thick and thin,

out on many a ride.

We tried all sports,

some good, some bad,

you gave your heart,

or bucked like mad.

For eighteen years,

you were my friend,

you loved, you cuddled,

you smiled.

You saw me through,

the worst of times,

you made me laugh,

so many times.

I owe you much,

my beloved boy,

and wish that you,

we still here today,

I've never found,

a horse like you,

a few came close,

just one or two.

But never have I found your love,

in another horse, nor pet at all,

I'm sorry that we cannot,

be together again in harmony.

You left a hole,

when you departed,

that never will be filled,

by any other beast.

Goodbye my friend,

I owe you lots,

you taught me love,

patience and more.

This poem is a tribute to my beautiful Palomino. I had him for 18 years, and we did everything together. He was, and forever will be, the best gift anyone could ever give me. Goodbye my darling friend.

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