An Old Friend

A bolt of pain Stabs at my sorrowful heart. Paralyzed with fear and knowledge I kneel at the side of an old friend. My eyes swell up with tears As I stare at the faithful loyal horse Lying helplessly at my feet. His once round smooth belly Now rough with bony ribs Heaves up and down with great effort. His once gentle dark brown face Now gray with 38 years of age Winces with pain. Too weak to rise, He rocs his nose up Stretching his neck and reaching out to me. A quiet muffled nicker Is al lthat escapes his throat As he gives up his effortless struggle And lays his head back in the snow. I close my eyes racing back in time Back when Red and I were young. when my eyes open once again The life flows from my dear old friend.