Caroling

on Horseback

High notes of laughter

And Christmas carols

Echoed across the frozen lake

As eight girls on horseback

Left the woodland trail.

Bundled against December’s bitter cold,

We went caroling, caroling,

Through the falling snow.

High school girlfriends

Sharing the joys of the season---

Riding fat, furry horses that tossed pretty heads

And snorted great plumes of steam.

The horse’s warmth rose from shaggy coats

Up through our legs---We were glad

We’d left the saddles behind.

Sleigh bells jingle-jingled as hooves squeaked

And crunched along snow-packed roads.

Girlfriends on horseback, wrapped in woolen hats

And scarves, clutching songbooks with mittened hands.

We gathered in front of homes and farmhouses,

Lifting our voices against snow-laden hills.

Joy To The World and Let There Be Peace--

Ring out ye Silver Bells.

Deck The Halls with mirth and merry;

We sang The First Noel.

Neighbors were so delighted

By this most unusual sight---

Eight girlfriends on fat, furry horses,

Heralding Christmas, ‘cross fields of pure white.