Riding Misty

Though Santa never responded to pleas
There was just one gift on my list each year
A horse that could run at the speed of light
A bold little gal; I never had fear

With two high school friends I visited a ranch
To ride in 103-degree heat
Through the bramble bushes and prickly pears
Upon little “Misty” I took my seat

The Mustang Adoption Program’s success
Sparked ranchers from Tucson, Arizona
To give a home to a rust-colored mare
Many miles from my home near Daytona

Cryptic white markings graced Misty’s neck
Looked like words in Native American code
“She’s so small,” I whined, seeking to ride fast
But no matter, to the desert we rode

Even the roadrunners were envious 
When Misty gained speed and hit her full stride
Warp speed!  I clung to the saddle horn
As Misty passed larger horses with pride

My hat fell on a cactus, sweat filled my eyes
My life flashed before me, quite a surprise
It seemed like she had wings as we flew
Don’t be quick to judge a horse by its size

I thank Misty often for the ride she gave me
She fulfilled my dream and gave me a thrill
But on the news today a reporter said
Wild horses would now be rounded up and killed

I’m so grateful I had the chance to ride
A wild horse with spirit and awesome speed
But what will become of her ancestors
Misty’s now part of a vanishing breed



*For Frank's "One Standout Day" contest
by Carolyn Devonshire
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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12
Brown Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 6:44 AM
Congratulations on your win in Frank Herrera's "Fondest Memory" contest Carolyn. Love, Carol
Skyles-Theoklapoet Avatar
December 22, 2010 at 1:16 PM
What a terrific 4th place win Carolyn.This is gonna be short but sweet trying to get some comments wrote.Take care and have a Merry Christmas.Your friend Teresa
Villarosa Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 11:38 PM
This really gives me a thrill, as I read what fills your heart with so much joy. Congratulations, Carolyn on your well deserved win on this contest. (^_^) Noel.
Johnson Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 11:15 PM
I am so glad this sturdy little Mustang poem won honors for you. A little girl's dream. Reminds me of my daughter at a young age. She just had to have a horse. congratulations and love. Joyce
K. Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 11:00 PM
This sure is a wonderful poem to celebrate Misty, Carolyn :) Congrats on your win, really enjoyed reading or should I say riding along with Misty ;) -- hugs & Merry Christmas! -- nikko :)
Onclaud Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 10:27 PM
what can say but, whoo, carolyn.. a gem of glittering of beaded wordings… kudos for a well-deserved win!! huggs, nette
Dietrich Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 8:46 PM
Yes I remember this one. I had also entered an oldie of mine (which had not won previously) Congratulations, Carolyn. What a great memory of your Misty. LUv, Andrea
Mannan Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 8:45 PM
I would have loved a dear Misty too. What beautiful description and emotions. many congratulations for this win.
Richards Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 7:25 PM
Growing up with horses myself, this touched my heart! So glad to see that Frank was also touched by your lovely poem! Congratulations, dear Carolyn,....and happy happy holiday to you. But more importantly...many many thanks for your kindness over the past year. You are always so supportive, and I am forever grateful! Merry Christmas...Love, Carrie
Mehta Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 7:05 PM
Congratulations on this well deserved win in the contest of frank, Carolyn
Brown Avatar
July 30, 2010 at 5:39 AM
Congratulations Caroline on your win in Amy Green's contest "My Deepest Passion". Love, Carol
Roberts Avatar
July 29, 2010 at 10:28 AM
lovely poem, congrats on your win
Mehta Avatar
July 28, 2010 at 6:23 PM
Congrats on the 2nd place win, Carolyn
Taylor Avatar
July 28, 2010 at 5:30 PM
Congrats on 2nd Place, Carolyn. Outstanding entry. Kudos. luv, Ralph
Brumley Avatar
July 28, 2010 at 2:33 PM
Wow! Carolyn what an endearing poem. How did I miss this one? You could enter this one in Tirzah's contest as well. I just wrote 'Thundered Hooves' for that contest before I even saw this poem, Great minds think alike I guess. Congrats on your win!
Johnson Avatar
July 28, 2010 at 2:20 PM
Congratulations on your win, Carolyn. You are so much like my daughter in this passion. Love, Joyce
Neels Avatar
July 28, 2010 at 2:17 PM
Congratulations on you win Carolyn.. Love Wilma
Gorelick Avatar
July 28, 2010 at 1:16 PM
I knew about the fishing, but not the horseback riding. Congrats on your win my dear..hope you are having fun on your vacation.BG
Green Avatar
July 28, 2010 at 12:59 PM
Carolyn, congrats on your placement in my contest. Not only was this poem excellently written and constructed- I was riding Misty right along with you... passion was felt deeply in this one... not to mention, horses are my greatest passion :)
Knop Avatar
May 17, 2010 at 3:26 AM
Great poem, Carolyn and a tribute to all wild horses wherever they are (even a few exist in Germany in a national park). It is a tragedy that these brave animals are still caught and sold!!! I also remember a ride once in Chile when I was on tour with a friend only on horseback and with a sleeping bag. It was great!!! Here it is different and riding a horse is not the same. Thank you for your comments and will continue with the translations. Love, Gert
Dietrich Avatar
April 15, 2010 at 7:30 AM
Hey, I am finally seeing this one. and it is unique! Congratulations, Carolyn. YOu did very well with this one! LUv, Andrea
White Avatar
April 12, 2010 at 3:07 AM
Congrats on your win Carolyn, this is one of the best poems I have read, a fine day indeed Smiles
Green Avatar
April 10, 2010 at 4:35 PM
OK, if you have any idea of the way I feel about horses, you will know that this touches my heart like so rare a poem. This is a write that shall be treasured for me. Going into my favorites. Amazing... BTW- the BLM is still rounding up and selling Mustangs. You can even bid on them online, most are going for about $150 or so. I would be interested in hearing your whole story if you care to share. Shoot me an e mail.
Johnson Avatar
April 10, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Congratulations on yur win. I raised a horse lover who might just count her best day in her childhood as the day she got her first horse. I will have to save this poem for her. Love, Joyce
Richards Avatar
April 10, 2010 at 6:58 AM
Congratulations, Carolyn, on this memory of a young girl and her chance to ride! Lovely poem! ~ Love, Carrie
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