Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Wild Horse and Burro Christmas Tail

Straight from the Horse's Heart

by Vicki Tobin VP of Equine Welfare Alliance
and R.T. Fitch, co-founder/president of Wild Horse Freedom Federation
Illustration by Kerry Kelly of the Houston Chronicle

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and All through the land….

Night before Christmas by Kerry Kelly
Twas the night before Christmas on our public land,
Not a Mustang was stirring, knowing what was at hand.
They huddled in fear hoping someone would care,
In hopes that the advocates soon would be there.
The foals hid in cover while Mom stood her ground
While stallions and bachelors, made sure Joan wasn’t around.
With Sally still lurking and Obama close by
The bands must stay quiet and not blink an eye.
When out on the range there arose such a clatter
The Mustangs all knew, what was the matter.
They ran to take cover, on wings they did fly
For surely they knew, that many would die.
The visions of million$ caused Cattoor a smug grin
While Gorey and Bolstad high-fived a big win.
More horses removed by ignoring the law
Hold on to your hats and stand back in shocked awe.
The chopper did glisten on new fallen snow
Sealing the fate of the horses below.
When all of a sudden, the bands all stood still
And watched as the chopper came over the hill.
They stood in amazement, can it really be true?
The advocates appeared right out of the blue!
The horses retreated, not believing their eyes
For surely this is just a BLM guise.
Then leading the thousands, lively and quick
Were Downer and Holland and Fitch with a stick.
More rapid than lightening, Deb followed in tow
With Long close behind, not sure where to go.
Now Ginger, Simone and Lisa times two,
Oh Marjorie and Barbara and Julie it’s you.
Now Vicki and Jerry and right there is Ann
Now Terry and Grandma with cameras in hand.
Down the hill they descended toward the horses with care
And watched as the chopper, fled into the air.
The advocates came with an injunction in hand
The decree shouted out, “not on our public lands”.
Enough is enough the judge did declare
the horses were saved by the breadth of a hair.
Our work here’s not done, the advocates cried
the choppers still flying, other herds could be spied.
It’s back to D.C. with a permanent plan
to ensure all the horses could live on their land.
So love was delivered to the horses with pride
but the warriors must leave so that no more would die.
They climbed up the hill and turned back to the band
who all now had gathered on what was their land.
“We carry you with us”, R.T. said with a sigh,
“as we go to the White House to champion your cry.”
The horses all bowed with a sign of approval
as they all now knew that there was no removal.
They neighed and they nickered to the spirit above
“Thanks for sending the people who gave us their love.”

No comments:

Post a Comment