INSPIRED BY ONE OF MY LAST RIDES ON TIO FILIO
A BEAUTIFUL CHESTNUT THOROUGHBRED COLT.
Oh daughter of mine you must earn you a crust
You must work to make money
Till you render to dust,
Now you can’t go a-riding each day as you please
You must bring up your children
And suffer no ease.
But mother I want none of the things that you say
I’ll not marry a man
Or have children one day,
‘T is horses my life, I have chosen my course
I want none of your riches
For I’d be the worse.
Well daughter you’re young with a spirit so fine
But with age you will tire
And your body will pine,
For the gentler life should be your goal
‘T will be money you need
You must give up your soul.
But my heart is with horses
And flying at speed,
Over grass in the morning
Is all that I need,
With fine coats a shining like sun in the sky
They’ll keep me a smiling until I die.
But the sun is a moment and winters are long
Cold winds are bitter, so is my song,
You’ve a fool for a guide
In a world that has gone.
You’re sleeping on dreams,
And one day you will wake,
Cursed will be your mistake.
Oh mother, Oh mother,
Your words on deaf ears
For I heed not your warnings
Of poverty fears,
For riding racehorses is all that I crave
I’ll be wealthy and happy
Till I’m in my grave.
© Caroline Baldock 2001