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The Mushers Ride Out Part 2 Alaskan Dog Sledding
THE MUSHERS RIDE OUT (part 2) Arctic Dogsledding
(continuation)
But in the race-- the last sleds skid
Fleet dashers kiss the road
Excitement flows through panting limbs
Among this glorious fold
The mushers breathe in glories
‘Neath skies where grey eats blue
The dogs’ blood touched in magic
Heart-boldness born anew
For racing has its winners
The world will see one face
but the winning of this venture--
is survival of the race
Foes and allies side by side
Fate braids their wild desires
Each step through such life threatening lands
Seek comforts flamed by fires.
A thousand miles will test their skill
In cold winds dark and fierce
A bond will form among these teams
No pot of gold can pierce
The old dogs teach the young
Young mushers quickly grow
Keep straight the gangline as they run
Teams strain through ice and snow
When injured dogs bleed out their lives
Leave blots of crimson tears
the lead dog takes the team to task
Delays all pain and fears
And when they see the final leg
each team will tear in town
where all are warmly welcomed
and warmly bedded down.
A noble nature rules here
Despite life rough and cruel
A code of honor spurs them on
This life learned not in school.
The widow’s lamp burns valiantly
Awaits the last sweet team
And when they stagger cross the line
The sirens gaily scream--
There is respect for hearts that blaze
They offer brave ones rest--
The folks that welcome first to last
Are sparks of Nature’s Best
Victoria Anderson-Throop
12/27/12
Home: Valdez, Alaska
Copyright ©
Victoria Anderson-Throop
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