Over this past month, we have been so touched and amazed by many wonderful artists that have shared works inspired by the mules and their mission! We are so appreciative, and would like to start sharing some of them with you.
We are adding a Gallery Page to the website so that all of you can also be moved by these beautiful offerings, so stay tuned!!
Today, I’ll share this poem by Californian, Margi Walker, along with MMPR’s Packer Bob Howitz’ photo he took while working in the WNC mountains that first week. Thank you so much for these words, Margi!! You might want to grab a tissue!
Drip drop
Drip drop
Helene she lands upon this spot
And all I’ve built is all for naught
For the life I’ve loved is washed away
I shudder
I weep
While Helene, she plays
Drip drop
Drip drop
What will be left?
My family?
My friends?
My neighbors?
I look around…
We’re all adrift
Drip drop
Drip drop
There’s nothing left
My home
My food
My power. Phone useless.
The water – she took it
My mountain is gone – I’m speechless
Drip drop
Drip drop
Minutes like hours
Hours like days
Leaving us in a dark, dismal haze.
Only quiet is left as Helene, she retreats
Wait – What’s that I hear?
Could it be…
Hoof beats?
Clip clop
Clip clop
There’s one!
No, two!
Now three –
Wow, more!
God’s angels packing in
Answered prayers aboard
Clip clop
Clip clop
I was lost
In shock and
In pain,
But I look up and behold – there!
My brethren they came
With life tethered to this horse and mule chain
Clip clop
Clip clop
Eight pairs of long-ears!
And a short-ear to boot
They came hell or high water
On one helluva route
There’s Jeb, Lil Wayne, Buzzkill and Smokie
With Vader, then Kev, Max, Amigo and Apache
Clip clop
Clip clop
I weep with joy
For I AM seen, I’m Remembered
By this hooved convoy.
And all may be gone
But Love, Love’s what they bring
These men and these women, with a beloved mule string
Clip clop
Clip clop….
Written by Margi Walker
