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The Ponies


I found a most incredible treasure!! 

Something about it captivated me - the way that baby looked at me.  The way that Mama stood.  Both seemingly lost in a moment - standing close to one another to feel the others' support - and knowing that if something were to happen in this world, they would be there for each other. 

The colors and texture of it.  Soft fibers made it appear as a rug, yet the colors were not painted on.  They were woven.  The shades of amber and sienna and tan.. the bluish greys and the greyish greens.

The gold metal matte was very dating - perhaps to the 1970s - yet it was ultimately surrounded by this mammoth wooden frame that was  difficult to discern the species of due to it's over-finished patina.  Someone had adhered them to a wooden back and tried to keep the whole presentation all together with rusting old nails.

There was something about them that captivated me - he wasn't really sure.  He didn't see the beauty of their eyes or the sheen on their coats.  He may not have noticed their hearts beating in anticipation of being loved and appreciated as every living being does.  He could sense I found them special.  He could sense I didn't want to leave there without them.

We inquired about the price and the man working at the counter didn't know - "the woman who actually owns the store is next door", he said as he rang up our small purchases.  Upon my insistence, we walked next door to inquire...  and then walked back so that I could show her what I was talking about.  She struggled to get them down off the wall.  They were magnificent... but...  his parents were waiting for us down the mall at an outdoor eatery so we had to leave them where they were.

As I sat enjoying a glass of wine with everyone, I felt an urgency about the ponies - we would never be coming back here - so I told him my desire.  His parents were curious.  I showed them the photo and they were baffled.  "Do you like horses?" his mom inquired. 

I ran back to the store because I knew it was closing in mere minutes!  When I got there - the doors were locked!!  The store was closed!  I wondered if the ladies were still next door, so I walked by and yes!, relieved & nervous & ecstatic all at the same time, they were! 

I paid her asking price and she walked again with me ...  she got a different man to get them down for me this time.  She had him dust them off - they were very dusty from hanging there on that wall for all those years!  As I picked them up for the first time I realized how very heavy they were!  It was now time to walk them out of their dungeon and let them breathe fresh air once again!  As I took them out into the sunlight, I saw a couple of people watching me and gasping at the size of this thing I was carrying.  I was so excited  - I couldn't help but smile.









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