QUAIL MUTTERINGS #55. Ode to Mirage (April 2019)

I want to extend my deepest thanks to you, Mirage, for expanding your being into our hearts. And for profoundly touching so many souls on a multitude of levels, sometimes beyond our comprehension. And for being the best horse possible for Kali during those eventing years – voted “Best Couple” at the Pony Club awards ceremony. I loved watching you run across the meadows – free in the canyon, silvery tail lifted, neck arched gracefully… I could say so much more about you: how much I loved you, the good times and the bad, the way you’d come up to me – wherever I was – and bring me more present into the moment – you had an unerring gift for that. But for now, may this suffice.

Here’s to you, Mirage:

The shining light of the canyon
A compact form of compassion
Silver mane glittering in the sunshine
Radiating magic in the moonshine

An inquisitive nature
And persistent attention taker
Always an interest in interaction
Even over green grass’s attraction

Your flapping of lips
A comical twist
Adding character and wit
To your endearing spirit

The sly, sideways hint of a nose that’d been bit
By a serpent which lay in a pit
Gave an off-kilter profile
Most endearing after a while
To we who were drawn to your field

The greeter of guests
Nudging them in their chests
Touching our hearts
With yours – off the charts

Your full-bodied whinny
Still echoing your wild roots
One final call from your stable mate
And your answer – one last time

So full of life
While ours – not so rife
We’re left adrift now that you have moved on
But we’ll somehow continue
Even though we so miss you
And remember our light of the canyon.