This is an exploration of various songs, or even just a line or a chorus from a song. Sometimes a single line in a song changes my life, or at least my perspective on it temporarily.
To begin this blog, I want to explore a song that I would not typically admit to liking or to the perspective I have on it!
The song is "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart. Odd choice, not really a Rod Stewart fan! However, this song began to be a favorite because it brings back memories of my old horse, Irish. He was the old man of the barn and quite popular with everyone there, partly for his wonderfully sweet nature and partly because you had to respect his spunk for such an aged fellow. The song was quite popular at the time and on the radio a lot. We would often all gather around his stall and sing it to him! He was such a funny horse. He would eat pretty much anything we offered him, but his favorites were french fries and peppermints! He also loved to pull the scrunchies out of my pony tails! Please forgive the scrunchies, they were normal then! :)
As time has gone on, and since he passed away 12 years ago, I have begun to actually listen to the lyrics and this song has taken on even more meaning to me. It sounds corny, but I think this song is what Irish would say to me, you know, if horses could speak in "our words".
"May the good lord be with you down every road you roam. And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you're far from home. And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true. And do unto others as you'd have done to you. Be courageous and be brave and in my heart you'll always stay Forever Young".
To me, that is his blessing. Irish was a fatherly horse, if ever there was one. He was my baby sitter, my best friend, my confidant and my first true teacher. I will remain forever a naive, innocent child to him and he will forever remain an old man who refused to face his age to me!
"And when you finally fly away, I'll be hoping that I served you well. For all the wisdom of a lifetime no one can ever tell. But whatever road you choose, I'm right behind you, win or lose. Forever Young".
This is Irish stating his wishes and letting me know he is always there whether I know it or not. And I know he is. The lessons he taught me are lessons that will be with me always. Had it not been for Irish I would not have been able to immerse myself in the horse world. I would not have begun working for the people I did. I would not have found the horse I have to this day and met 19 years ago. I would not have been faced with the choices I was faced with and been forced to make the right ones based on the lessons Irish taught me.
Most importantly, I know that any time I can look over my shoulder and Irish will be there nudging me in the right direction if only I am listening. Maybe that is why my hair never stays in a pony tail...
