Large eyes through a fence, gently stare
Begging forgiveness for a wrong never done
As master finds comfort from elsewhere
while his old mount enjoys her last sun
Shuffled and herded, prodded from behind
The cavern that roars swallows her whole
No room to move, no peace to find
Deep terror engulfs that beautiful soul
Shaken around, so hard to stand
Mare and stallion, breath the same dirt
No place to fall, nowhere to land
Hooves flail, bones crack, bodies hurt
Endless day with dry, cracked lips
Turn to night as time and lorry both race ahead
A target to meet, deadlines like ships
Awaiting their passengers, unwatered, unfed
Now at last shaking stops, silence ensues
Stilled heart longing for freedom's gate
To open and ease the cuts and the bruise
The teethmarks and fear, now they wait
Lights and noise erupt into fear
The cavern opens and nostrils flair
So much sound, so much unclear
A horse's scream pierces the air
Into paddock barren of all, pours equine life
Some on four legs some barely on three
Terror through minds, cuts like a knife
Dust and bodies milling, nought to see
Time passes and movements cease
Unease settles with the dust on their coats
Is this now their freedom, their time for release
Scowling men stand and count money's notes
Then of a sudden, fear's grip begins to falter
As the men turn from death's field and leave
And women with smiles each with halter
Enter the field where frightened flanks heave
Gentle hands carress and succour
Lead away to fields with water and hay
Caring words from sweet mouths pour
This is a Sanctuary, here you will stay
Large eyes through a fence, gently stare
At new friends who now visit to stroke and to pet
This dear old lady, this gentle mare
Who thinks every day, she's in the best place yet.
Terry Reader 03/03/2009