he is part of the city
cascading fields of brick and stone
stable his days
cascading fields of brick and stone
stable his days
and nights
enveloped in
enveloped in
a cacophony of horns, beeps
and sirens
i wonder
does he remember
his coltish days
in green pastures
filled with
unbridled grazing
of sweet
honeysuckle and clover
meadow memories
of endless blue skies
and afternoon winds
lifting birds
ever skyward
as they
cry out
above
and sirens
i wonder
does he remember
his coltish days
in green pastures
filled with
unbridled grazing
of sweet
honeysuckle and clover
meadow memories
of endless blue skies
and afternoon winds
lifting birds
ever skyward
as they
cry out
above
i wonder
does he remember
: : :
Sidenote: This is one of the many carriage horses in downtown Philly. I'm always drawn to them. This past Friday as I was escorting my grandboys around Independence Hall, I was approached by a radio station to comment on the horses in the extreme heat. I was glad someone was concerned for them. There happened to be only 2 still out on the streets at noon but the temps had reached 100 degrees F.
Personally, I don't like carriage horses used on city streets let alone in this heat.
There always seems to be a sadness in their eyes.
I'd like to set them all free.
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There always seems to be a sadness in their eyes.
I'd like to set them all free.
~ sharing with ~
Texture Tuesday
Crazy Days of Summer
Wordless Wordful Wednesday
53 comments:
Oh, that kind of choked me up a bit. I see those horses all the time in NYC and wonder if it's humane or not. I just don't know. They're beautiful creatures and I hate to think of them suffering. Have you heard of the new play, "War Horses?" About the millions of horses that died in WWI. Haven't seen it but looks amazing and I think the sentiment goes really well with your lovely post today.
Yes, I do always wonder how they are treated. And whether they are rotated so that do get some pasture time frequently.
I'm guessing you read Black Beauty, too? Because of it, I always wonder what horse (and animals) are thinking.
i always think of the old carriage horse that gets flogged to death in black beauty...
It's a great photo, but I would wish for freedom for him, too.
the same reason i stay away from the circus. i love the animals too much.
xo
Beautiful photo...and I too would love to set them free.
I am a horse lover, have had my own and while this is a marvelous photo, I feel the same way you and the others do and would love to see them free and particularly in weather like you have had! Marvelous post, great capture and beautiful, sad words. Thank you, Reena!
Sylvia
Probably does dream of being free in green pastures, that's if he's ever seen any in his life. I'm with Christina, which I will add zoos.
I'm conflicted about this, Reena. If he was set free, would he know what to do? Would he be happy? Maybe he is a horse that's happy if he has a job to do. In any event, your words are powerful and the photo is perfect. :)
reena....i worry about this so much also. the hubs and i love a carriage ride, we always go in cape may. but then i have so much guilt, does he love his job?? is he happy?? some times they "tap" the horse and i want to scream "please don't do that"!!!
i love to see them in pastures...it seems that is where they belong!!!
Love this post, I agree, there is a sadness in the eyes of those city horses.
A great shot but the horse would have been happier if he had been in the pastures.
Animals live in the "NOW" so the horse knows nothing else. I do think pulling carriages in all that heat is a BIG NO, NO in my book! Great post, very powerful, nice shot.
I love animals, so a agree with the title, does he have any kind of dream? Maybe be free someday
Hi there - city street horses and sandy beach donkies seem to have it hard. I have to say - do we really need either - I think not.
Stewart M - Australia
You have me wondering too. Beautiful textured image.
Very moving post this morning with lots to think about now.
You are reminding my of Black Beauty. I cried so much reading that book. If it makes you feel any better, I know that some of the New Orleans horses have a place out in the country where they are at pasture when they aren't working. Their pasture happens to be next to my in laws property that we always go to on the weekends for fun. He has a lot of horses so it seems that no one horse has to work too frequently.
I hope they are taken care of properly! I hopped on your blog this morning to show my hubby your squirrel! We're still laughing at this critter cooling off! Enjoy your day! ♥
I'm with you .. lets go open their stalls and set them free .. I feel that way about the carriage horses in/around Central Park ..
The carriage trade is highly regulated. There are strict standards for everything from stabling to work hours and conditions. This guy isn't suffering. Look at it this way. He could be working, kept sprayed with fly spray and with a "servant" to give him nice fresh water while he's on the job, and a good meal and grooming when he gets home. Or, he could be standing out in a field someplace, covered with flies, thirsty and hungry. Believe me, there are many more horses in that condition than there are working horses in the middle of a big city.
Oh I'm with you! I always wonder the same thing....
I'm so there too - let me alone - its way too hot -
Oh he is beautiful. I think he dreams of the life he has had . Set free .. where. In a beautiful rolling pasture would be wonderful.
And I love your words . Fantastic.
lovely capture.. and I agree with you.. its sad to see them in a city sitting.. but I am sure that they are well taken care of.. after all they are making the owners money.. and giving a lot of people pleasure.. but yes.. their eyes do tell a different sad story it seems.. and perhaps they do dream.. of greener pastures so to speak.. but then does not the whole word dream of such things.. why not the animals as well..
hope your day is kind and soft..
How sad that I never NOTICED the sadness in their eyes....thanks for being sensitive to their spirit and for this beautiful piece! ♥
I immediately thought of Black Beauty, too!
Such great creatures and I totally agree with you!
It does make you wonder - and in the heat too - but I guess Louise is right and there are people who make sure they're well looked after. This isn't a shire horse but those wonderful creatures are in danger of dying out because no-one wants them for work any more.
I grew up with horses, and I totally agree with you == they do not belong on city streets, period.
And what a beautiful poem!!! Hope you are staying cool. xoxo
I don't see the need for these animals in a 'modern' city, especially in this heat. I guess as long as people are willing to pay for this 'service' this will continue.
I love your poem!
Reena that is an absolutely beautiful poem...WOW!!
Last week during our horrible heat there was a story on the news about a beautiful dog who died of a heat stroke BECAUSE his irresponsible owner decided the extreme heat would not keep him from jogging and he took his dog with him. Neither the dog or this beautiful carriage horse
signed up for running in the heat. Are there any humane laws for these beautiful horses?
Hugs Madi and Mom
You are so right. People tend to forget about how animals are affected by extreme temperatures- especially the heat. Good job - food for thought here!
A beautiful post Reena...
I expect that these carriage horses are usually well cared for. Beautiful animal, and what an interesting question!
I love your photo! I'm also drawn to carriage horses whether in NY or Chicago; wherever I go & there are carriages. I always have to go up and pet them. And I also wonder why they're allowed to stand or work in extreme heat or cold. It doesn't seem fair. I also worry that they're sad or bored and really hate their jobs!
Lovely photo and post. I always thought they look sad, too, but hope they're not.
Hello!! I'm just getting back into town after being gone for a few days and have enjoyed catching up on your blog this evening! I love the picture of the hawk, and the poor little squirrel--She should have timed her pregnancy a little better to beat the heat! :-)
But I also agree with you about the horses! I always feel sorry for any animal that has to work--I was working at an event for the rescue a few years ago and got a petition started when I noticed that an elephant that was giving rides to kids wasn't getting a break--We were asked to leave the event because the 'fuzzy ferret rescue' told on us--You just can't trust a ferret....
As nice as a horse drawn carriage ride through the city sounds, I do feel sorry for the horses. I can't believe there were still some out there in that heat.
I love the picture and poem. Wonderful. I agree about animals in the heat~I've been working hard on the farm to keep mine safe.
I typically am with you, seeing carriage horses in the city.... But he did make a wonderful subject for this shot! And that poem is awesome. Love it.
Lovely post. I always wonder too.
I agree. The horses always look sad. Very nice shot of this one.
So beautiful and so true. They always look so sad to be out there working. :(
I also wonder about things like that, but especially in the heat, it should not be allowed.
I don't even really like the thought of horse races. Do they really want to be pushed to the limit like that? Seems somewhat cruel to me.
I bet he dreams of being free from that life.....:(
The older I get the stronger I feel about animal torture and, well... a carriage horse in a town is nothing short of that! Poor, poor souls. What is in their heads, really? Our problem, as humans, is that we forget that we are not the smartest of species. I believe we are the most evil one though.
This is so beautiful and poignant!
The ones in Charleston SC seem happy enough. I don't think their schedules are too strenuous. They look healthy... but I do know what you mean. It certainly can't replace frolicking in a pasture ... Many horses live much worse lives. I love your poem... Many retire as pasture ornaments I am told... but I wonder.
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