Poetry & Prose

by Lin Sutherland

December 20, 2011

Do you like this?

'Twas the night before Christmas and I'm out in the barn
Blanketing horses to keep them all warm,
They're eating their dinners, tucked in their stalls,
Not aware that it's Christmas, a great day for all.

They dream of spring pastures from their hay-scented beds,
Visions of carrot-tops dance in their heads,
And me, a horse lover thinking of parties and such,
Feeling bit blue at missing so much.

This season is special but the horses don't know,
I've got work to do before we can go,
I finish the chores and head on inside,
To get ready for dinner and the evening's Yuletide.

It's nearly midnight, the carols are sung,
I remember a story I heard when I was young,
How late at midnight on Christmas Eve
All great and small creatures can speak to us with ease.

I am called to the barn, I wade through the rain,
I know I must go, I can't really explain,
I slide open the door, and pause for a while,
Then slowly walk down the dim moonlit aisle.

A nicker from Lil, a whuffle from Zia,
Sleepy li'l Buckshot, waking to see,
rustling his bedding, a snort soft and a yawn,
Each horse gave a greeting as I walked through the barn.

I thought about parties, lit up and warm,
The ones I don't go to 'cause I have a barn,
And vacations and holidays that I don't get,
When I'm working long hours for bills to be met.

Walking all the way to the end of the aisle,
I stop to stroke Jewel, it brings me a smile,
She snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin,
It starts me to thinking about horses, my kin.

I could be at parties with feasting and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.
, , , ,

by Lin Sutherland

December 20, 2011

Latest Comments

  • Night before Christmas

    This is so beautiful, brought tears to my eyes. I don't think it was a mistake that our Lord and Savior was born in a barn surronded by love.

    Posted by Shannon December 27, 2011 21:31:29

  • Christmas miracle

    I understand this great feeling especially this time of the year when the stable and mangers are so dear. You never cease to amaze me with your gift of prose. I enjoy the newsletters week after week. May you never give up sharing your gift with us.

    Posted by Shirley Nobles December 27, 2011 17:17:37

  • Christmas Eve in the Barn

    Just beautiful Lin. And I agree, its so appropriate being in the barn on Christmas Eve where our Baby Jesus was born.

    Posted by Senette December 25, 2011 10:51:54

  • Christmas night

    I can so relate to this lovely poem! Thank you for sharing it. NIce to know there are other folks that trade parties for the peaceful love of the barn and our four legged family.

    Posted by Denise December 21, 2011 06:47:01

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