When I went by the meadow gate <br />The chestnut mare would trot to meet me, <br />And as her coming I would wait, <br />She'd whinney high as if to greet me. <br />And I would kiss her silky nose, <br />And stroke her neck until it glistened, <br />And speak soft words: I don't suppose <br />She understand - but how she listened! <br /> <br />Then in the war-net I was caught, <br />Returning three black winters older; <br />And when the little mare I sought <br />The farmer told me he had sold her. <br />And so time passed - when in the street <br />One day I heard a plaintive whinney <br />That roused a recollection sweet, <br />So then I turned and there was Winnie. <br /> <br />I vow she knew me, mooning there. <br />She raised her nose for me to fondle, <br />And though I'd lost an arm I'll swear <br />She kissed the empty sleeve a-dangle. <br />But oh it cut me to the heart, <br />Though I was awful glad to meet her, <br />For lo! she dragged a tinker's cart <br />And stumbled weakly as he beat her. <br /> <br />Just skin and bone, a sorry hack! <br />Say, fellow, you may think it funny: <br /> <br />I made a deal and bought her back, <br /> <br />Though it took all my bonus money. <br />And she'll be in the meadow there, <br />As long as I have dough for spending . . . <br />Gee! I'll take care of that old mare - <br />"Sweetheart! you'll have a happy ending."<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/winnie/
