The Farrier And His Daughter Poem by Alexander Beebe

Down country roads through fields of green where Live Oaks sprawl and hoot owls sing. A farrier and daughter stir up some dust made by caliche and a pickup truck.
Her schoolbooks beside her, that work must wait, three shoeless ponies graze at the gate.

She eyes them with wonder, a connection she makes, the bond of these ponies they give and she takes. She gives back to them a soft gentle touch she breathes of their breath and gives gentle hugs.

Her dad’s hands are callused from years of hard work, but his too are gentle for farrier’s work. The horses are trusting they know what to do, their hooves they surrender so they can be shoed.

Like a surgeon’s nurse she knows what’s required, she hands him a wrasp, clinchers and pliers. Down with a foot, up with another, back breaking work, he knows of no other. Three barefoot ponies that now all have shoes, she smiles at her father, he smiles at her too. An unlikely duo for this type of work, but he’d never tell her that, she’s proven her worth. His toolbox she packs and puts in the truck, a farrier’s daughter, a farrier’s luck.

The South Texas sun is now setting low, the farrier and daughter drive off and head home. The next day will greet them with similar loads, more barefoot ponies down more country roads.