Friday, February 1, 2008

Sweet Nothings

I was thinking about how with Argus, as well as in life, victories and triumphs are sometimes small and barely noticeable, but important nonetheless.

Last night I trudged out to feed the horses later than usual, and by the time I pulled on my funny old orange down coat (the one Argus likes), it was dark and strangely quiet outside. Even the frogs were taking a break from their usual evening chorus.

Standing for a moment in the unlit barn, I paused to let the darkness envelop me. A quiet symphony of horse sounds greeted me, from the soft grunting of our food-oriented mule to the rustling of hooves in straw. Here and there, I could hear the rhythmic crunch-crunch-crunch of horses munching soft piles of grass hay.

I stood there, eyes closed, letting the sounds and smells of horses surround me.

Out of the darkness, and barely audible, an unsure nicker floated toward me. A throaty, low, raspy sound, unfamiliar to me, coming from the second stall on the right. A smile crept across my face.

Argus.

He has been here for nearly two months now, and I've heard him whinny at other horses, but never at people or even the approaching green feed cart, whose promising squeaks make most horses weak in the knees.

I stood quietly for another moment, hoping to hear that blessed sound again. But as quickly as it floated down the barn aisle to me, it was gone.

The moment over, the lights on. I am standing in front of Argus' stall. He is looking at me impatiently, merrily.

"What?" I ask, "What do you want, Argies? Your food?"

He blinks solemnly, surveying me. I turn and walk into the feed room. Then it comes again, almost like a whisper: Argus' first attempt to nicker to me. I grin from ear to ear, big tears pooling in my eyes, and start to mix grain.

19 comments:

Original L said...

Oh, how sweet! Nickers are such a good sound... I've been lurking here for a couple days now, and you are doing such a great job with him. Give him a rub for me, please!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post. You are an angel for caring for him so diligently. Give Argus some Love from Seattle!

Anonymous said...

He's learning to trust you! That's awesome!

barrelracer20x said...

What an awesome moment!! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us! I've been checking your blog daily, I love the updates on Argus! He sounds like such a sweetie! There's a special place in heaven for horses like him, and an even more special place for people like you!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what an amazing story. I got the link off Fugly's blog, and I've been following it ever since. The story is heartbreaking yet happy, and the writing is fantastic :)

Anonymous said...

Such a tender moment. Thank you for sharing it with us.

It's so wonderful of you to be so kind to Argus and take such good care of him.

Bless you,
cas

Sarah said...

How wonderful for Argus to find his voice to speak to you :o)

Sarah/Lost Fantasy Rescue/VA

Anonymous said...

What a nice post.
I have started coming here everyday just to see how you all are doing.
Give him a pat for me.
Gina

DelightfulR said...

What a beautiful thing for Argus to say to you.
I've been following your blog (fugly) and your story is incredible. You are a wonderful writer, and Argus is very lucky to have come to you.
My filly is feral. It took her a long time, to learn how to use her voice. And the first time I heard it, I almost cried. She was loved. She was someone.
Good for you to notice the little small things, that have the most meaning.
You have given Argus more than food. You have given him the right to be loved as a horse. Argus now has dignity. He is someone special. He is loved.
Happy new beginnings Argus!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful!!!

Midaiganes said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
TuuliR said...

I readed all th blog from the beginning to here. And finaly, reading the last lines of the last post.. tear came into my eyes. I have an halfrescued horse. I tell halfrescued cas when i bought him, he was not in lifethreating situation, but it was mooving thatway. ....
Its so good to read blogs like yours... Im hoping the best for you.

Anonymous said...

how wonderful that must have felt to hear him nicker to you!!! I have happy tears too. :P

Anonymous said...

thank you do much for sharing this with us.

she's cardinal said...

Thank you for sharing this with us.

Just... well, thank you.

SquirrelGurl said...

Been a lurker for a few days... Fugly led me to you... but I wanted to say that this is a wonderful blog and I look forward to updates on Argus.

A horse's nicker is a wonderful thing... it makes me smile thinking about it!

The Thinker said...

You should write a book.

I'm not kidding.

You have an incredible poetic ability, and you could use the earnings to fund your rescue... I really believe it would be a big seller.

Think about it- if you will, consider a copy sold.

PaintedPromise said...

oh you have me in tears! we do rescue too so i know what you mean... but what a GREAT way you have of describing it! you are immediately going on my blog link list!!!

Anton said...

Thank you for sharing this story with all of us.