The wind... it's a funny thing, sometimes.... it is simply there when it feels like, leaving just as quickly as it begins sometimes, a passing breeze. Other times, it roils up a storm, blowing away everything in its path, becoming a force of natural destruction.

It can make a warm day bearable, granting a moments respite from the heat.... it can make a cold day intolerable as it carries the freezing temperatures straight through your cloths.

One horse I care for very deeply exemplifies this trait... online he goes by the name of "Pokey Pony". Approaching gentle to the ones he cares for, but truthful and harsh when he needs to be. The winds swept him into our lives for a brief period of time, and it brought change to our stables, noticible and finite. I got used to cooking for three horses... I enjoyed the company, even if he wasn't feeling so well some of the time. He gave me the hoof to the rear to get tested for STDs.... to go out job hunting, that resulted in a good job lead that if it goes through, will absolutely change the way our lives run here.

As I always seem to do, I learned from him while I could, and tonight, the winds have changed direction, and he's gone. I feel even though he was here just a short couple of weeks, there is an empty space deep within me left by his departure. The best way I can heal myself is to play music with the sorrow I feel...

He won't be seeing this page for a while... but eventually, I know he'll get the chance to listen, and to see the effect he has on me. May it always be a good one as it has thus far.

Thank you, Pokey. I'll never forget you... may the winds favor you wherever you go. This, my last song for Feathers, is for you.

*the shire falls silent, saying no more before turning and walking away, head bowed*