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Thank you all for your support! Because of a Horse was so much fun to write!
My 2019 gift to all of you, a new poem: “009.”
Fortunato Cavallo’s Carol Ann, “Cricket,” had a rough start to her life. Forgotten and scared–she was rescued at the 11th hour, and was given warmth, safety, and love in time for Christmas. She went on to become a little girl’s adored pony–and a dressage champion at the Randy May Memorial dressage schooling show! She is an amazing pony, and is loved by so many.
And now, “#009,” a poem inspired by the brave and beautiful Cricket: We love you, dear Wonder Pony! 
love wins!
(I will offer a book signing event in the spring when the daffodils poke through the earth–watch this space!)
#009
The pony mare with the kind eyes
A coat dark as a winter sky
A light snow falls outside her pen
On the gate is the number “10.”
The air is full of dust and pine
The pony with no name is #009.
The pony mare’s heart beats with fear
Even though Christmas draws so near
I want to be home, her soul sings
Surrounded by love and pretty things.
A voice pleads over the telephone line
Is she still there, the pretty #009?
The pony mare is led out into the starless night
Nervous but willing follows the light
Her little hooves clip-clop up the slippery ramp
Seeking the kind person with a shiny lamp
This is the way to more time
My dear and brave #009.
The pony mare once waited in #10
A lonely place she’ll never see again
She has arrived home never to leave
Home in time for Christmas Eve
You’re going to be just fine
My gentle and adored #009.
Excerpt from Because of a Horse, copyright 2018, Helen Scanlon
Cricket before, in lonely pen #10–scared, hungry, and forgotten. She was known only by her number: 009.(copyright 2018, Helen Scanlon)
Cricket after she was saved–the light returns to her kind eyes! (copyright 2018, Helen Scanlon)
My best wishes to you for a wonderful new year filled with love and laughter.
~Helen