24/12/2023
It’s the night before Christmas and I’m out in the barn
Blanketing my horses to keep them all warm.
They’re eating their dinners, tucked cozy in stalls,
Not aware that it’s Christmas, or any day special at all.
They dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds.
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads.
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Quickly doing our tasks so we don’t miss too much.
This season is special, but the horses don’t know.
They munch on their hay safe out of the snow.
I finish my chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and my family’s yuletide.
It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story told when I was young
How at midnight on each Christmas Eve
The barnyard creatures can speak to us with ease.
I am called to the barn. I slosh through the snow.
I can’t really explain; I know I must go.
I slide open the door, and stand there and smile
Then slowly walk down the dimly lit aisle.
A nicker from Cyrus, a soft snort from Roya,
Sweet, gentle Annahi gives me a wink
Big Boss rustles his bedding, Batique comes into sight
Even Darcy gives a greeting as I walk through the night.
I thought about parties bright lit and warm,
The ones we don’t go to cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we usually don’t get
Cause we have the animals and chores to be met.
Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Kayla and linger awhile
She snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
And I look around at the others, my horses, my friends.
I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.
~Written by Doris Elradi
📸 Kate Stephenson Photography
From Our Barn to Yours…….Merry Christmas….
