The Thoroughbred: A Poem About Summer

Recalling my childhood summers, my fondest memories revolved around the beautiful horses that we used to raise and train. Every season brought new wonders and new reactions from my equine friends - winters were frisky times, surprised at all the white stuff on the ground. Spring was the time for new babies and all sorts of coltish cuteness, and then there was summer - Summer was when the horses spent long lazy hours lounging around the pastures, rolling in the grass and idly swatting at flies. It always felt like a time of peaceful contentment and relaxation, as if all the horses were on vacation. This poem is my attempt to reflect back and portray that perfect time of peacefulness.

The Thoroughbred: A Poem About Summer

Summer days are like retired Thoroughbreds
Standing, resting, in the sun
Enjoying life at a slower pace
Rather than worrying races to be run.

A flick of the ear sends fly to air
As he lazily cocks one back hip
Droops his head, with half-closed eye
Towards the sweet cool water to sip.

No worries, has he, of tomorrow
Or of day, or of day after that
He just listens to the buzz of honeybees
And chooses the sweetest of grass to get fat.

He knows summer's the time for appreciating
Some of life's most simple pleasures
Just like a retired Thoroughbred
Freed of jockey and all his leathers.

So, as summer approaches? Be a horse -
Roll in grass and kick up your heels
Enjoy the pleasures of summer
You'll be amazed how good it feels!