'HORSE FLU - NOT JUST….

By Carol Heuchan

I’m not just a rich man’s trinket
to fulfil a greedy goal,
I am more – much more – to many.
I’m Australia’s heart and soul.

I’m companion, partner, soul mate;
I’m desires beyond just dreams.
I am overcoming hardships;
I’m life’s lessons in extremes.

Once my shoulders bore the burden
of the plough to plant the seed
that would grow the golden wheat fields
to fulfil this nation’s need.

And I laid the precious bore drains
giving lifeblood to this earth;
as I forged the great traditions
then, that gave this country birth.

I have borne your sons to battle,
heard their brief emblazoned cry,
seen the futile, reckless slaughter,
shared the mothers’ anguished “Why?”

I helped you tame this wilderness
- hauled, carted, did your will.
Used, abused and treated lightly,
yet I am your servant still.

I have brought you pride and glory
and a wealth you couldn’t measure.
and a heritage and history
in a partnership to treasure.

Every sport that you’ve invented,
(oft’ with consequences grim),
still I’ve jumped and turned and twisted
as I’ve met your every whim.

I have taught your children caring,
how to put another first,
to take the falls and try again
and cope with best and worst.

I’ve kept your daughters off the streets
and on the straight and narrow.
I’ve put my heart in all I’ve done
- and thrilled you to the marrow.

And yet you turn your back on me
in this - my hour of need.
All you think of is your losses
in your all-consuming greed.

Won’t you listen to my pleadings
for the horseman of this land?
This will change their life forever.
Won’t you try to understand?

Carol released this poem from copyright to allow it to be used any and everywhere in the hope that it can help.
Please see www.carolpoet.com.au