Listeners
As I cross the pasture to where the horses are grazing, they lift their heads and neigh as I draw near.
They're my best friends, and I love all of them so.
They're always glad to see me, and they always let me know.
As I walk out in the middle of the grazing herd,
I start telling them my troubles and they listen to every word.
At times they stop their eating just to listen to me, you see.
They want to let me know that they'll never interrupt me.
I know I can tell them things so freely, so you see
I tell them about what has been happening and what is botheriing me.
They listen and nuzzle my face and my hair.
This is their way of saying just how much they care.
They love me just the way that I am.
Never criticiziing me, or telling me how dumb and ugly I am.
I wish that I could be like these horses, you see --
I'd run away from hom and then I would be free.
I'd go where there was only happiness, joy and peace.
I'd take my mother and sisters with me where all our pain woud cease.
Some day soon, I know I'll be free, be free!
Until that day comes, I know my horses will always love me.
�Darlene Johnson Clark
Used with permission