Geronimo Meets Horace the Horse.

The sun was shining brightly,

And spring was in the air,

So Geronimo smiled broadly,

And headed for the fair.

He’d very nearly got there,

When he saw the strangest sight,

"Good heavens," gasped the little Bear,

"This surely can’t be right!"

"There’s something fishy going on,

Of that I have no doubt,

That horse should now be giving rides,

Upon the roundabout.

I’d better go and point this out,

Before it is too late,

Because I’m really worried,

He’ll try to jump the gate!"

Without any hesitation,

Teddy raced across the field,

"You’ve got a job with prospects,

What’s going on?" he squealed,

You’re colourful and handsome,

As well as lots of fun,

Get back to work this instant,

Or damage will be done!"

But the horse was most insistent,

And he began to nay,

"I’m leaving here forever,

There’s nothing you can say!"

"My life may well look glamorous,

But that is not the case,

You see my stripes are ugly,

So I’ve got to leave this place!"

"I look just like a zebra,

So the others tease me rotten,

And until I get away from here,

Their taunts won’t be forgotten"

"My Christian name is Horace,"

He went onto explain,

"You’ve done your best to stop me,

But your efforts are in vain!"

"For heavens sake," our Chum burst out,

"The fairground’s your home too,

So for that very reason,

You ought to see this through.

Although it won’t be easy,

You ought to stay and fight,

Or else this situation,

Will never be put right!"

"The others are just jealous,

Because you’re so unique,

But if you give yourself some time,

Your fame will surely peak!"

"You’re very kind," sighed Horace,

"But for me it’s much too late,

Now stand aside a minute,

And let me jump the gate!"

But Geronimo stepped forward,

And held his reins so tightly,

He urged "We’ve got to show them all,

That you are not unsightly.

There’s no need to be nervous,

As I’ll stay right by your side,

Just hold your little head up,

And have a bit of pride!"

"Okay," replied his downcast Chum,

"I’ll do just as you say,

But will you please let go of me,

Before we move away".

"Oh sorry," smiled the little bear,

"I went a wee bit mad,

But now to ease my grip on you,

I would be very glad!"

Soon the happy pair were trotting,

Towards the roundabout,

"Don’t worry mate," hissed teddy,

"we’ll soon get this sorted out."

But on seeing lovely Horace,

The other horses laughed,

"We really do not want him here,

Because he looks so daft!"

"He looks just like a Zebra,

So he should be in a zoo,

It isn’t any wonder,

That his friends are very few!"

When his lip began to quiver,

They laughed even louder still,

Then our Hero shouted "Stop it,

You’re making me feel ill."

As he finished off his sentence,

A tiny girl came by,

She toddled up to Horace,

And looked him in the eye.

"I’m Rachel," she said softy,

"Will you take me for a ride,

This is the very bravest thing,

That I have ever tried."

The horse was overcome by this,

And pricked up both his ears,

"Of course," he neighed "Your offer,

Is the best I’ve had in years!"

"When I’ve got into position,

You can climb upon my back,

And we’ll prove to all these doubters,

That I haven’t lost the knack!"

When everything was ready,

Rachel followed his advice,

She grinned "I’m glad I chose you,

Your mane feels very nice.

Unlike the other horses,

You’re soft and kind and gentle,

You also realise that I’m small,

And so you don’t go mental!"

"It’s nothing," giggled Horace,

Bobbing up and down with ease,

"I’m just a humble fellow,

Who always aims to please!"

When the music finally faded,

His little friend looked sad,

But said "I’ll come back shortly,

As lots of fun I’ve had!"

Geronimo grinned broadly,

As she hurried out of sight,

"You see," he whispered softly,

"Your future’s looking bright.

It seems although your stripy,

You’ve got animal attraction,

So this really ought to give you,

No end of satisfaction!"

"It does," his friend responded,

"I’m as happy as can be,

And I’ll always be so grateful,

That you showed some faith in me!"

Yawning very, very loudly,

He closed his tired eyes,

Now every day when he wakes up,

He gets a new surprise!"

THE END.