In greener pastures

Did you know that there’s a wooden gate

In heaven here where we stand and wait

Tall, strong and all brand new

We’re in a line watching over you

And everyday we neigh a prayer

For a girl with ivory skin and long dark hair

Who kissed our cheeks and brushed our coats

Gave us love and gave us hope

We came from all over the land

Some broken down and hard to understand

She greeted us with open arms

Then a trailer ride to Follyfoot Farm

We looked upon a dainty place

With dogs and kids all sizes and shapes

It was here that by God’s grace

We were blessed to live out our days

Broken, sick and scared combined

She spared no patience, cost or time

Bad weather, long nights and tears were cried

To bring the light back to our eyes

With tummies full, our backs grew strong

We’d found a place where we belong

Our joints more free and strides more true

We packed around a kid or two

Who called us theirs and cleaned our tack

Fed us carrots and gave us pats

And often for a special treat

The ocean air and sand at our feet

Some considered us throw aways

We learned we still had years to play

To graze and buck, jump and run

And bask out in the mid day sun

Or cuddle up in the winter wind

In a nice warm barn with all our friends

And when it was our time to go

She stayed with us ‘til we were home

No better soul to guide us there

Than the girl with the long, dark brown hair

And when we meet again someday

When you have lived and are old and grey

We will ride and jump and play

Welcoming you with nickers and hay

It’s really not too different up here

We are filled with love from one who cares

So when you are sad, don’t despair

We have gone to heaven, but have already lived there.

— Angela Bertrand, 2010