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Open Poetry #7
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Wood Fences of Kentucky (Repost for Lizzie)
| Open Poetry #7 |
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Wood Fences of Kentucky (Repost for Lizzie) |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania 
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Lizzie, I am posting this a thank you to you for all your support, and also just because I thought you would enjoy it. Normandy and Calumet are two of the best known horse farms in Kentucky. 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 serpents along the country roads, weaving to and fro Wood fences zigzag as they did a hundred years ago Defining thoroughbred pastures, delineating space Encasing stately grandeur of the acreage they grace Within their grasp prized horses are reared and trained and bred The fences hold 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 tell of trainer and of horseman, each a vital part Who feel the vibrant spirit of each horse within their heart Distinctive smells of horse and stable, blatant earthiness Run 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 chestnut stallions duly bred and bound for Churchill Downs And supple young Trakehners gently floating ‘cross the ground The rambling wooden fences in the county of Fayette Still skirt the rolling 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 The 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 Santos |
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| © Copyright 2000 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Calling airlines, making reservations, first plane headed for Kentucky... Darn it Elizabeth...don't you know I'm out of vacation days and have to work! A beautiful picture you've painted here...I can smell the stables...I know this was for Lizzie, but I couldn't help but peek in and enjoy it myself...thanks!!! |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Me too Liz, this is a most wonderful picture you have painted. Love ya! |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
Liz, I loved this poem. I live on the WV/KY boarder, and I was born in Pike Co. Although I don't live in the "horse country" you describe, I have been there several times, and it is beautiful! Also a timely re-post, because the Kentucky Durby is coming up!  "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde |
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