Barbaro: RIP, Great Champion
To the horse who overcame so much, and was finally freed from his pain
Barbaro 1/29/07
After eight months of confined hell
here’s to you, Star and Strength and Speed
through triumph and tragedy
you captured America’s heart
you ran with the wind,
so quickly that it whistled
in the ears of your jockey
one beat
that’s all they heard as you crossed
the treasured finish line
to win the coveted Roses
one beat of a racehorse’s stride
one beat of his heart
and in one beat, America’s treasure faltered
and you struggled greatly to complete your challenge
none can imagine the power of your heart
as you overcame finish line after finish line
that no other could have reached
you were the champion of champions
soaring beyond those who sought to challenge
for even they cannot catch you now
you outrun even the best
for you have captured America’s heart
and now hold it captive
Whinny to the pretty mares you find,
Ruffian and Regret
great champions of old
Graze calmly, Bobby, you’ve found the endless fields
Dance spiritedly, Bobby, there is no pain
Run quickly, Bobby, you race with angels now
