She started as a two year old
With breeding, speed and fire
She was tall and lithe and regal
A horse to envy and admire
She was dark bay on toward ebony
Ruled the paddock with her grace
The kind the crowd would bet to win
Not just to show or place
She gave us what we came for
For 3 years on the track
With heart to keep the races close
And wins to bring her back
As in every mortal life
Her glory days are past
It’s not that she’s not worthy
She’s just no longer fast
As her expenses start to rise
And earnings sadly pale
In the accountant’s books the call is made
To send her to the sale
Wild eyed and soaked with sweat
She, like a fallen queen
Can’t understand the angry crowd
Around the guillotine
The bidding now is over
With the final gavel sound
Horsemen we just sold our souls
For forty cents a pound.
Elizabeth Clark
For Hanna
What morning when you waken
Is the right one to decide
that this dog will be forsaken
And no more with you abide?
A dog like this will find a home
And what will be the harm
In telling all the children
That she’s living on a farm?
As you bring her in and leave her
In her lonely metal cage,
And act as though you have no choice
I feel a silent rage
What heinous thing has this dog done?
What has been her crime?
Or were other things more pressing
And you just don’t have the time?
This dog who loved her master
And served him day by day
Has become and inconvenience
And has now been sent away
She keeps her silent vigil
And tears in my eyes burn
As with trusting expectation
She waits for your return
A dog like this will have no home
No master will be found
For who will take an older dog
When younger ones abound?
Now at last her time has come
So with a gentle nod
I’ll cradle your dog in my arms
And send her back to God.
Elizabeth Clark
Priority
One thing that I’ve learned in life
Of this I have no doubt—
When you know what takes priority
Things will all work out
The garden’s overrun with weeds
And the lawn could use a trim
But in this heat our Labrador
Would surely love a swim.
The mare and foal are up and out
And everything’s all right,
With that leggy little miracle,
That kept me up last night.
The fences all need painting
And the gates are tied with string
The van’s stalled in the hay field,
(It has been since last spring)
But the animals are safe and dry
And everyone’s been fed,
For today, I’ve done my best---
So now its off to bed.
Lord, a home in perfect order
Never will be mine,
But the lives you’ve trusted to my care,
Rest assured—they’re doing fine.
Elizabeth Clark
“Eyes up, focus on what’s ahead
Keep hands still and back straight”,
In my mind still sounds the urging voice
From the woman at the gate.
“Be kind in all your movement
Hold softly, never grip
For a horse learns more in trust and love
Than from fear of spur or whip”
“Don’t dwell on rubs or rails knocked down
They teach you common sense
Ride on to where your future lies
Just over the next fence”
“Know what you want before you ask it
Be clear in your commands,
When you’ve made your best decision
Don’t try to change the plans”
“Don’t dress and groom for judges
Anyone can play the Star
Present your best because you deserve it
And you’re proud of who you are”
“You and your horse are partners
In every loss and win
Like so many other things,
You’ll get out what you put in”
As years and time has passed me by
I think a lot of late
I learned far more than equitation
From the Woman at the Gate
Elizabeth Clark
America Still Stands
We met the face of darkness
With his evil deeds and plans
Yet unbowed, unbent, unbroken
America Still Stands
The anguish for our heroes lost
Fills heart and soul with pain
And quiet deepening resolve
They did not die in vain.
Though some hearts black with hate and fear
Will meet our grief with glee
They’ll never know the strength and power
That comes with living free
When the dust and ashes settle
And the clouds lift from these lands
Hold high your torch for all to see
America still stands
We trust in God to guide us now
And keep us in his hands
For justice, freedom, truth and right
America Still Stands
Sisters sing our Anthem out
And brothers take my hand
So that the world should never doubt
That this great nation stands
