Holly
by Mike Moutoux, Western Entertainer
& Cowboy Poet

It was one of those clear November nights
When the stars seemed to own the entire sky
And the patterns they made with soft silver light
Were more than a little pleasin’ to the eye

I’d been ridin’ the ol’ mare, Holly, today
Now her saddle was stored with the tack
So when it was time to put her away
I just climbed up on her warm and solid back

Up the hill we rode, my legs hung free
She knew the way, I never touched a rein
And something passed between that horse and me
As I rode Holly bareback up the lane

Can’t say exactly what happened that night
Just a feeling that words cannot explain
For a time, everything felt good and right
As I rode her past the stars and up the lane

Too soon we reached her pasture gate
I turned her loose and headed down the hill
The stars had dimmed the hour was late
And I—I have that night ride’s feeling still

November 29, 2003
Holly of Honey Locust Farm, Holmes County, Ohio