leanin' H said:
Soapweed said:
That was very well done, leanin' H. We are having a writer's group get-together at our ranch this coming Sunday, September 20th. It starts at noon, with dinner furnished, and we will all share writings on "childhood memories." With your permission, I'd feel honored to read this poem and of course give you credit for writing it. The other participants would very much take an interest and become emotionally involved with this sad happening, and it sure qualifies as a childhood memory.
Anyone who would like to come and join us at this get-together would be more than welcome to attend.
Soap, I'd be honored for you to read my poem. It's my small way of trying to help Lil' H see the bigger picture. When I write cowboy poetry, its usually pretty personal to me. And it amazes me how other folks still connect and feel those same emotions, even though they aren't as close to what I was writing about as I am. But the same holds true when I read the poetry of others I guess. I wish I was closer to Nebraska Soap, as I'd love to sit in the corner at your writers meeting and soak in how folks with talent and ability do it.
Thanks to you all for the prayers, the loving thoughts and all your kind words. She is still hurting but she knows folks love and care about her. That's all any of us need to start the healing process. Ya'll have huge hearts and are fine people. Proud to know ya, even if it's through a simple internet forum.
leanin' H, I am also very proud to know you and your family, through the miracle of cyberspace. A few of the ones who are coming to this get-together are very good writers and poets, and actually get paid to do what they do. The rest of us are more interested in just preserving cowboy history by writing down a few memories of our lives. Sure wish you lived closer so you could come and read your poem yourself. It is truly a heartfelt well-written masterpiece.
We feel compassion for your daughter. She and the horse have grown up together, and had a special bond. My cousin (JF Ranch) lost a nice mare named Sherry when he was about the age of your daughter. The horse pushed a barn door open and got into some poison oats (used for gopher elimination). I was the same age as JF, and felt just as badly as he did about the passing of Sherry. In agriculture we get to experience the cold hard facts of life and death. In the long run, it probably turns us into more compassionate but logical-thinking people.
Best to you and your family, and we will keep you in our prayers.