today I saw the coolest horse
she was brown and black
and had a little white mark on her head
that looked like the moon

I beg and I beg
—maybe—they say, but come soon
I scream
as I see my very favorite
Christmas present

we work hard, my girl and I
I learn to be good
and give her what she needs
to do her job
and do it well

“soon” you all will be able to
to show the world what you have.
blue ribbons cover my wall
as do little pictures of you
and me.

until, one day, they call me.
to tell me it’s all gone wrong
with you.
that I’m going to have to say
good-by.

there are no words to say to you.
I’ve already told you everything
except this one last thing
thank you.