The Old Mule

Look at him this old, foolish, useless ass
Let’s push him aside as we gaily pass
Cruel, unforgiving folk would taunt and say
How they tried to hurry him on his way

But he knew he’d been useful in his time
So took no heed of humans moan and whine
He wandered slowly from place to place
The folk not knowing to them such a grace

He was no ordinary, dull, little mule
A good story he could tell as a rule
Of happy, sunlit days left in the past
Forever in his memory to last

Tales of bravery, companionship to bray
The dear, loyal soul had so much to say
If only folk would stop to think and see
A life together could be full of glee

A union of humans and an old mule
He really wasn’t just an silly fool
But an old faithful friend until the end
Wise little fellow with love to transcend
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Scott Avatar
June 9, 2024 at 9:15 PM
Dear Christina, I agree with Wen in her assessment of your inate ability to weave a journey arc through your words. For me too, it is all important. I always love when your new poem pops up, I think we have some similarities in style, yet you are fresh in your approach. I agree with you in the sadness of animal degradation here. Love your poetry! S :) x
Bowring Avatar
June 11, 2024 at 12:57 PM
Dear Sam, thank you so much for your lovely, supportive visit. Always warmly welcomed and appreciated :) Yes, we probably do have some similarities in style. Like you, I do love all animals and my heart goes out to each and everyone of them ( all creatures great and small) especially with all the neglect and abuse. Thank you so much for your kind, supportive words. Have a good evening x
White Avatar
May 14, 2024 at 12:05 PM
I love mules. Beautiful tribute to a wise overworked creature, Kelli
Bowring Avatar
May 15, 2024 at 1:18 PM
Dear Kelli, so lovely to receive another visit from you. Thank you so much. I too, love mules, donkeys, etc. When I get the chance, I love going to sanctuaries to support them. They are such beautiful creatures and how true that they can be overworked. Such beautiful, intelligent animals. Blessings to you.
Dietrich Avatar
April 14, 2024 at 6:52 PM
This is so sweet. It makes me feel admiration for this old mule.
Bowring Avatar
April 15, 2024 at 10:12 PM
Thank you so much dear Andrea for your much appreciated visit and lovely comments. So kind of you. Have a wonderful day with many blessings xx
Volumes Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 3:37 PM
Your story telling ability is second to none. Engrossed in the story, enlightened by its message. As Robert said " My kind of poetry." This old mule thanks you for recognising the value of age collected experience. Thanks Chris for a wonderful read. A teacher once told me " Leave them wanting more" That's what you did, I could easily have read about the old mule for a long time more. Best wishes .. Wen
Bowring Avatar
January 14, 2024 at 11:50 PM
Reading these comments you have so kindly left for me brought such glowing delight my dear SV. I have learnt from you that your preference is a poem that tells a story so I’m so happy that you enjoyed this one. I absolutely adore donkeys, mules etc and overjoyed when I can visit a sanctuary. Sometimes I’m happiest, as we all are, around god’s beautiful creatures. It’s heartbreaking to witness such detestable animal cruelty that continues throughout the world. Animals can teach us so much. I loved seeing the picture of your gorgeous dog by the way! Luv and hugs xx
Hinshaw Avatar
September 29, 2023 at 4:39 PM
A masterful write, Christina - my kind of poetry. Thoroughly enjoyed and by the way, welcome to the Soup family - BoB H
Bowring Avatar
September 30, 2023 at 10:22 PM
Thank you so much dear Bob for your welcome visit and leaving such lovely comments. Much appreciated. Blessings to you
Lindley Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 3:00 PM
My friend, quite a very lovely new creation. My dad used to speak about the mule his father had. And he did so in loving terms. A pleasure to read you fine poem. God bless you, my friend.
Bowring Avatar
September 24, 2023 at 3:44 PM
Thank you so much for your visit my poetic friend. This was just a simple poem as I do love mules, donkeys, etc. I love to visit and support them in sanctuaries when I can. I’m a strict vegan dear Robert and so love all god’s beautiful creatures. Blessings to you :)
Baker Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 3:58 PM
Everyone and everything has beauty and is useful when seen through the eyes of Love. Lovely poem with a message, Christina. Thanks for sharing your poetry with us, my friend. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
Bowring Avatar
September 22, 2023 at 11:38 PM
Dear Bill heartfelt thanks for reading the poem. What beautiful heartwarming comments and how true you are. Goes perfectly with the poem. Smiles and blessings for a wonderful weekend my friend. :)
Volumes Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 1:53 AM
Perfect. Touching . Enjoyed.
Bowring Avatar
September 2, 2023 at 12:48 PM
Thank you, thank you SV my friend. I so love mules, donkeys etc. I like to visit sanctuaries when on holiday. Hugs.xx
Hinshaw Avatar
August 20, 2023 at 1:53 PM
Splendid write, Christina - my kind of poetry. Bob H
Bowring Avatar
August 21, 2023 at 1:21 AM
My thanks again to you Bob for visiting. I’m so glad you liked the poem. Thank you for your lovely comment. Wishing you a lovely day.
Fowler Avatar
August 2, 2023 at 5:01 PM
I read this twice and had to fav it Christina. Every living thing has its worth and old age is to be celebrated, not shoved aside! :)
Bowring Avatar
August 5, 2023 at 1:05 PM
Thank you so much Linda for leaving such lovely comments. Very much appreciated and I totally agree with you.Blessings to you.
Goldsmith Avatar
July 22, 2023 at 1:53 PM
A lovely story/write. Great ending. If only the mule could talk, the stories I bet he could tell. I wish you would write more. Enjoy your weekend writing away..................
Gasun Avatar
July 22, 2023 at 5:54 AM
A very beautiful poem. I love the end and the whole poem of course will be a favorite of mind. Thank you so much for sharing your precious gem and your visit on my work. Many blessings to you. Hugs
Bowring Avatar
July 23, 2023 at 12:56 PM
Many thanks Len for reading the poem and your lovely comments. Very much appreciated. Blessings to you.
Parker Avatar
July 21, 2023 at 5:51 PM
metaphorically as I was reading I couldn't help but think of a few older people I've seen treated the same way...
Bowring Avatar
July 22, 2023 at 7:11 AM
Thank you so much for reading the poem Frederick and leaving a comment. I have also experienced the same as you sadly with older people. Warmest wishes to you.
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