I had gone to the field to fetch the horses,

They were leaving my farm today,

And as I saw them knee deep in bluegrass,

I was sorry to see them go away.

They are not mine, but here on loan,

Or at least left in my care,

It’s a silly thought, but I hope they’ve enjoyed,

Their time spent grazing out there.

I know I shouldn’t anthropomorphize, 

And I know these are my own thoughts,

But my mind flew off on its flight of fancy,

Before the horses were caught.

It’s a long long way, to the cold northern state,

To which this pair will go,

And it’s sunny here and bluegrass waves,

And the pleasant Spring breezes blow.

I hear the thrush from the timber’s edge,

And I see the swallow dive,

I see the clouds overhead like billowing ships,

And I’m happy to just be alive.

I imagine then how sad I’d be, 

To leave my Kentucky home,

And be whisked away, to the far off north,

With no choice of where I roam.

I felt like I’d betrayed them,

As they trotted up to me,

They nuzzled and bumped my shoulder,

As they searched me for their feed.

“No feed today, fellers.” I said, 

As I haltered both of them,

“Your time here’s up. You’ll have to go,

And I patted my old friends.

“Sure it pains me some to see you go,

And to have to say ‘good bye’,

And I hope you’ll remember this old place fondly,

When you stand neath a foreign sky.

I’ll tell you both you’re welcome back,

And don’t hold this against me now,

We both knew this day would come,

And you were only borrowed to plow.

Spring’s near gone, and the corn is in,

And you’re needed somewhere’s else,

So, do your best and take care now,

And look out for yourselves.”