The sparkle of life has long since left my tired eyes
Years of neglect have brought me here
A steel hand is all that I have felt
The bang of an auction gavel sealed my fate.

But a golden ray of sunshine comes upon me
A soft voice whispers in my drooping ears
A gentle hand touches my tired withers
Although I flinch, I do not feel the sting of the whip.

Calming words and a soothing voice ease my fears
A halter and a lead rope are gently placed on me
Another trailer stands before me now, I am urged to go inside
I struggle with fear and pull back hard on the rope.

Awaiting harsh words and whip lashes, I pull harder
But no harsh words hurt my ears
No sting from the whip piercing my skin
I only hear more gentle soothing words.

With fear and trepidation, I step into the trailer
My entire body quivers in fear
A huge mound of fresh green hay awaits me
At my destination, I am gently led into an enormous stall
with deep, soft bedding.

A trough of clear, cool water to drink from
A feed tub with fresh grain awaits me
I peek out my stall door to a pasture of lush green grass
I wonder to myself 'Is this the Rainbow Bridge?'
The horse in the stall next to me nickers, 'No, it's an equine sanctuary.'

courtesy - Dana R. Hendrix