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Open Poetry #4
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 1999-11-12 07:19 AM


Wood Fences of Kentucky

In the heartland of Kentucky along the bluegrass countryside
Below the winding Elkhorn lie the jewels of Southern pride
On the outer fringe of Lexington, white pillars and black gates
Mark the aristocratic realm of equestrian estates

Like serpants along the country roads, weaving to and fro
Wood fences zig zag as they did a hundred years ago
Defining thoroughbred pastures, deliniating space
Encasing the stately grandeur of the acreage they grace

Within their grasp prized horses are reared and trained and bred
The fences surround the sheltered life of the bluegrass thoroughbred
If they could speak, they'd tell us tales of old Kentucky lore
Of celebrated horses that have grazed their fields before

They'd speak not only of the pride of thoroughbreds of speed
But of the equal reverence shown no matter what the breed
They'd tell about the intimate ties between a man and horse
A Morgan or an Arabian or an American Quarter
Horse

They'd speak of trainer and of horseman, each a vital part
Who feel the vibrant spirit of each horse within their heart
The distinctive smell of horse and stable, the blatant earthiness
Runs through their veins just as the pride and passion they possess

The wood and limestone fences hold the cherished legacy
Of horses crowned with roses in simplistic pageantry
Of a chestnut stallion duly bred and bound for Churchill Downs
And a supple young Trakehner, who gently floats across the ground

Fences contained within the lovely county of Fayette
Gently grace the hills of Normandy and Calumet
A monument to Man o' War, the greatest racing horse
The auctions and traditions of the Keeneland racing course

They house the stables and the farriers, grand and splendid barns
The stately mansion houses of the old Kentucky farms
The simple pure and wondrous beauty of a mare and foal
Which represent the very essence of Kentucky's soul

Wood fences neatly encircle the horse farms that abound
And are deeply steeped in heritage and tradition they surround
The Bluegrass Country glistens still in the glory that it yields
And the fences of Kentucky still meander through the fields

Elizabeth
Copyright 1999

© Copyright 1999 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
1 posted 1999-11-12 07:26 AM


Wow "Liza-Beth"...yall done good here! This was very picturesque..and I have seen the pictures you describe here....
Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612
Hurricane Alley
2 posted 1999-11-12 07:59 AM


Second that wow! Superbly written..very visual...When you can see some by reading someone's words, you KNOW the poem succeeded! And this one has in every way!

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
3 posted 1999-11-12 09:47 AM


Excellent job, Elizabeth... thanks for the visit! *S*
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
4 posted 1999-11-12 12:18 PM


I've been to kentucky, thanks for the reminder visit
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

5 posted 1999-11-12 08:50 PM


I felt like I just had a lovely trip! Thanks!

------------------
Denise


Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
6 posted 1999-11-12 09:01 PM


Elizabeth,
Superb would be a good word to describe your lovely poem. This is a keeper.

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

7 posted 2000-01-10 09:50 AM


This is one of the first of yours that I read, Elizabeth!  This is a work of art!

 Denise


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