When I am old...
I will wear soft gray sweatshirts and a bandana over my silver hair,
and I will spend my social security checks on wine and my horses.
I will sit in my barn on my well-worn chair and listen to my horses’ breathing.
I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night and take my horses for a run, if my old bones will allow.

I will still work hard cleaning after them, mopping, washing, brushing, and feeding them, 
and whispering their names in a soft loving way.
I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel and I  will be an  embarrassment to all,
especially my family,
who have not yet found  the peace in being free to have horses as your best friends.
These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall,
and eagerly jump to their  feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you as if you are a God.
With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will always stay, I'll hug their big strong necks.
I'll kiss their dear sweet heads,

and whisper in their  very special company.
I look in the mirror
and see I am getting old.
This is the kind of person I am, and have always been.
Loving horses is easy,
They are part of me.
Please accept me for who I am.
My horses appreciate my presence in their lives;
they love my presence in their  lives.
When I am old this will be important to me.
You will understand when you are old....
if you have horses to love too.