Standard Time Change Memory

We remember November when time we turned back,
and the daylight past the work day was short,
preparing for sleigh rides, our sorrel mare,
and the wagon brightly painted, we'd sport.

A long day at Afton was joyfully planned,
though the effort in the cold was sustained,
bright plaid cape tucked snugly over jacket and pants,
loaded truck, trailer, and Mandy, groomed, fluffy-maned.

With shiny cleat-studded winter horse shoes,
she would have traction, not slip in the ice,
harnessed promptly at sunset, no daylight to lose,
in shape, practiced with strength to suffice.

At Osceola's and Cumberland's colorful streets;
we took turns driving to help us get warm,
singing carols with kids, Mandy got apple treats,
stepping lively in carriage horse form.

Evenings we drove her before it was too dark,
paid off sufficiently each pre-Christmas day,
when Mandy brought pleasure on street or in park,
coming gratefully home to her hay.

when the house was all trimmed, barn lit with manger scene,
and the children came home, and rode on the sleigh,
thankful dusk in November made way for December,
and joyful gathering for Christmas day

Our last trip to Afton for pre-Christmas rides,
treated us to a message that cheers:
a teenager commented with hearty pride,
"I've been riding every time for eight years."