05/26/2025
“The One Who Carried Me” - In memory of the horses lost during war on Memorial Day ❤
I’ve buried men with medals on, with flags upon their chests,
But none who bore the weight you did with such unspoken rest.
You never asked for glory, nor ever claimed your due,
But every inch of ground we took was won because of you.
Through mud that swallowed wheels and dreams, through storms of smoke and flame,
You pulled, you charged, you never balked, you came when no one came.
You bore my pack, my fears, my hope — and more than once, my frame,
And never once did you retreat, or shy away from pain.
They called us brave, those boys who fought, but we both know the truth —
I leaned on something stronger then, with hooves and endless youth.
When shells fell close and courage fled, I held tight to your mane,
And found the will to carry on, because you bore my strain.
Now here I stand, a frailer man, medals dull with rust,
While you lie quiet, nobly still, beneath this mound of dust.
No statue marks your sacrifice, no name carved in the stone,
But know this much, old friend of mine: you never stood alone.
I speak to you in whispers now, like I once did at night,
When I would rub your weary neck and check your tack was right.
And if there is a place beyond this war-torn, weary earth,
Then may you run forever free — no harness, pain, or girth.
They say a soldier dies just once, when breath and time are through,
But some live on in those they saved — and I still live through you.
