Upon a Meadow

Upon the meadow where you were born,
I make a vow to stay by your side,
And though my heart in anguish is torn,
Tear-filled eyes remember our last ride.

You breathe hard as you lay in the grass.
Your heart beats like the thunder of earth.
In its own time, life will let you pass
To look for the mare who gave you birth.

Reins are hung on a hook in the byrne.
Your stall is empty. It leaves me forlorn.
I, the pupil, from your strength did learn
The joy of life the day you were born.

Your body once hot, now becomes cold.
The sun fades as the clouds become thicker.
Good-bye, my friend. Our rides made us bold.
Just nicker once more, softly nicker
        ....softly nicker...
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Fowler Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 9:19 AM
So sweet and sensuous Hilda. And so hard to lose such an old friend. Condolences :)
Greenhough Avatar
August 21, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Yes, it's difficult to lose a lifelong companion. Animals have been my life.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 16, 2025 at 11:06 AM
This piece is shrouded in mystery. An enjoyable read.
Greenhough Avatar
July 16, 2025 at 12:15 PM
I'm glad you liked it. Thank you.
Delaney Avatar
July 4, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Hilda...So touching. There is a very special between a horse and rider who cares. Into my Favs. SuZ.
Greenhough Avatar
July 4, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Thank you. Animals are so difficult to lose.
Kulkarni Avatar
June 19, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Hilda, your poem was deeply moving—every word stirred such emotion in my heart. Sending love and gentle thoughts to the cherished soul of your beloved horse. -Smita
Greenhough Avatar
June 19, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Thank you.
DiMino Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Lovely, heartfelt write. I thought of Trigger, Rodger's beloved ride, how Roy loved his pal of many years blessed together. They are special creatures, long a part of man's community of treasured affections.
Greenhough Avatar
May 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
You are correct on how horses have always been a part of man's community. I have many more horse poems to write. Thank you.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 22, 2025 at 1:34 AM
A wonderful, if sad poem. Great rhyme, a bit difficult for me. Still I always look forward to read and enjoy your brilliant poems.
Greenhough Avatar
May 22, 2025 at 5:33 AM
Thank you, Victor.
Leach Avatar
May 18, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Hilda, this is such a tender, beautifully mournful tribute--it stirred something deep in me. The imagery is so vivid: the empty stall, the reins on the hook, the fading warmth… it all builds to that haunting, gentle plea--“softly nicker.” You’ve captured the profound bond between soul and steed with grace and reverence. A stunning elegy.
Greenhough Avatar
May 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I appreciate your comment. I've lost many pets over the years. It is always painful.
Godwin Avatar
May 15, 2025 at 10:56 PM
I meet you via my poem, To Fly, so I came to visit. You are a writer, this one poem tells me you have 'it.' I had to clinch my emotions tight or else I would have started crying because I could feel the emotions of love, loss and the formation of bittersweet memories to be lifelong felt. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
Greenhough Avatar
May 16, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Thank you.
Mckeithan Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Powerful poem Hilda and sad. You lost a good friend.
Greenhough Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 7:56 PM
I appreciate your comment. Thank you.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Heart breaking poem. So beautiful even if sad. Deserves recognition.
Greenhough Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Thank you for commenting. Death of pets is difficult. It's always sad.
Wolf Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Portrayed so well through the eyes of this horse. Wonderful write, Hilda.
Greenhough Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Thank you.
Andresen Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:03 AM
- A deeply moving farewell to a faithful friend, Hilda - hugs
Greenhough Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Thank you. I'm always glad to hear from you.
George Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Hi Hilda, this is quite touching.... the final hours of a horse. Parting from a companion, be it an animal or human being, is always painful.
Greenhough Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Yes, it is a circle of life. It's good to have poetry to find expression. Thank you for your support.
DiMino Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 10:43 PM
This is beautiful! Deeply touching! Good you had such a dear companion, to cherish in your heart for always. Alive yet in your beautiful poetry.
Greenhough Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:53 AM
Thank you for your comment. I'm glad to hear from you again. Have an enjoyable week.
Radice Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 10:23 PM
A loved animal can become part of you and losing it can feel like losing a family member. Such a poignant write Hilda. Cheers - Gary
Greenhough Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Your comment is true. I thank you for reading my poem.
Buehler Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Your heartfelt, moving poem is beautifully composed, Hilda. So sorry for your loss.
Greenhough Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Thank you.
Empress Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Dear Hilda, sweet poetic soul , its always so good to read you and to see you post here on soup and this is such an evocative poignant poem that flows in such beautiful cadence! I felt the emotions in this soulful poem especially the ending made me sigh! Definitely a fave for me! Pleasure reading you today! Sending you light always
Greenhough Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Thank you. Your opinion is cherished. My life has been filled with animals. Sadly, all but the cat I have now, have died. I appreciate the fav. I wish you a glorious summer.
Singh Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 1:07 AM
He is dead and his stall now empty....a touching poem.
Greenhough Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Thank you for your comment.
Jones Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 12:34 AM
What a tender touching tribute Hilda! It is sad but beautiful!
Greenhough Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 5:27 AM
Thank you.
Crandall Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Touch tribute to your horse companion.
Greenhough Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Thank you.
Hind Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Wow, this is so touching, Hilda. I love love love this, going right into my favs - <3
Greenhough Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
I am honored that you like my sad poem. Losing a beloved animal has always been difficult. Thank you for the fav.
Gifford Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Hello Hilda, this is a very touching and heartfelt write. So sorry for the loss of your riding companion. Sending prayers your way, my friend.
Greenhough Avatar
May 11, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Thank you for your comforting words. May the sun shine upon you.
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