Arizona in the Saddle | Page 46

A Horseman’s Christmas - Doris Eraldi ERRY M AS ISTM CHR It’s the night before Christmas, we’re out in the barn Blanketing horses to keep them all warm They’re eating their dinners, tucked in cozy stalls Not aware that it’s Christmas or any special day at all They can 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 Maybe feeling a little sad at missing so much This season is special but the horses don’t know We’ve got work to do before we can go We finish the chores and head on inside To get ready for dinner and our own yuletide It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung I remember a story I was told when I was young How at midnight on Christmas Eve The creatures of the barnyard 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, pause for a while Then slowly walk down that dimly lit aisle A nicker from Casey, a wink from JD Sleepy old [X