Long Forgotten Memories

2011/10/09

I explored some of the countryside, today. I don’t think I was looking for anything in particular. It was enough just to be there.

The rain last night brought with it a cold wind and I awoke to crisp morning air. The wet earth squished under my hooves as I made my way to gather water. All around me, the once green trees sported leaves of gold, yellow, and red. Such beauty. The colors swirled all around me whenever the wind blew. It was like being enveloped by a sunbeam. A cold and windy sunbeam, but a sunbeam nonetheless.

Above me I could see thousands of birds. Probably more. I think I saw some pegasi flitting about here and there, as well. The birds flew in great squadrons or swarms, sometimes landing in the trees or a nearby field. Their chatter was so loud while they rested and looked for food. And then, just like that, they were off again. With glee, they took to the skies again as one. Oh, if I could soar like that just once in the time I have left.

I drank from the cool spring near my home. No, I give it too much credit. The spring was downright cold. As warm the hike to the spring made me, the water was ice to my lips. I drank a long, deep pull. The feeling of satisfaction surprised me as if, for that one moment, I was perfect. As if I could be - no - was content for the rest of my life with the satisfaction this morning, alone.

I just looked at icy spring water. An old stallion looked back. His muzzle is etched in grey. His once vibrant green coat now so worn and dull. The remnants of a once favored toy left to rot in the sun. And eyes. I just couldn’t get over his eyes. They seemed so tired. Not physically tired, as if after an all nighter or a long gallop. Weary. Exhausted. Of what? I do not know.

I examined my rippling reflection in the waters closely. Was that everything I’d become? Just an old pony whose best days were behind him? Whose only wish was to enjoy the mornings in peace? Eat some greens and fruit and just live the life of leisure until this old body goes to sleep for the last time?

To let everything I’d worked for go to waste? The painful sacrifices and difficult choices? The time I lost. No! The time stolen from me.

I glared down at the aged pony beneath me. So helpless. So undeserving. I crushed him under my hoof and watched as the resulting ripples traveled downstream.

This flesh may be weak, but my soul? My soul is willing.

-W