Gentlewood Farms

To My Owner

My dear, sweet, loving owner
You’ve been a true and honest friend.
It gives my heart such quiet peace
To have you with me at the end.

I feel your hands run through my mane
And gently rub my belly.
Scratch my chest please, one last time,
As my eyelids grow so heavy.

My life was hard and lonely
Until you rescued me.
You loved this old forgotten horse,
And I’ll forever grateful be.

My body’s getting weaker
And my heartbeat now is slow,
But there’s one more thing that I must ask
Of you before I go:

I’m leaving you my daughter,
Who is just a baby yet.
Please care for her as I would,
And help her to forget.

Help her grow up with dignity
And grace and fortitude.
I promise I’ll be watching
From heaven, over you two.

And now know this dear owner,
When your time on earth is through,
I’ll come for you, I’ll lead you home
And cross over the bridge with you.

Shannah M. Helman
adapted