February 2004

In Celebration of Life
(dedicated to Delhi)

My blessings abound,
Can these be real?
My home in the hills,
Welcoming me?
My chains disappeared,
Playing for me?
My spirit renewed,
Is peace for me?
My keepers are here,
Their love for me?
My sisters smiling,
Trunks up for me?
My world turned topsy,
All this for me?
My blessings are real,
I feel so free!
My rescue most dear,
I can be me!

Barbara Borchardt
El Paso, TX

February 2004

She was a quiet girl, she knew not to complain
After all, it was the only life she'd known.
Living conditions were poor, and always in shackles and chains.
Even in a crowded room - she was alone.

The days turned to months, the months into years.
The food was improper, and the temperatures extreme.
Sometimes she cried, and yes there were tears.
Punished for no reason, or so it would seem.

Her body ached, her skin felt like leather.
Standing was painful as her feet throbbed and burned
This majestic creature became more weathered.
Survival depended on her spirit she learned.

It was terrifying to leave, on that November day
But when the truck stopped, and there were no harsh words,
Soft voices spoke her name "Delhi", reassuring her it was OK
Someday she will join the rest of the herd.

Heaven on Earth she lives now, to her it's all new.
Napping in the sun, warm baths, treats, and toys
Dreaming of the day when Lota comes here too.
No more sorrow for the girls here, TES brings only joy.

poem written by Lori

For the New Girl

Take my hand and walk this way, to see what joys we will find today.
 
Through the door and out the gate, down the path we go. Your life begins today, a whole new world for you to know.
 
The grassy knolls, the sloping hills, the ponds they await you. Days like you have never had, and a peace that you have never known, all there, all brand new.
 
The special ones are here, ready at your beck and call. They wash, they sweep, they feed you, they care for you all.
 
Your sisters, you have a few, even though one of them is no longer here to greet you.
 
But she is near, her hill is not far, she waits for you, to pass her way, to chat, or just stand awhile and be with her and enjoy this wonderful day.
 
Oh hurry please, your sisters are waiting there, in this new big world that they want to share.
 
So, take my hand and walk this way, to see what joys we will find today.
 
Through the door, and out the gate, and down the path we go.  But hurry please, there are things to do, a whole new world just waits for you.
 
Merilee Newman
Tollhouse, CA
January 2004

December 17, 2003

Delhi

Now is your time
Your time to live
Your time to be free
Your time to graze
Your time to just be

Now is your time
Your time to heal
Your time to roam
Your time to nap
To have a real home

It hurts to think you could never do these before
It hurts to think how many years you've been sore

Dear Delhi, Stay with us a while
You are deep in my heart and you make everyone smile

A lifetime of waiting just to be free
And not be sold rental property

As old as you are, we still watch you grow
We know very well you're not ready to go

For fifty some years, you did not feel
The love from your fans who will help you heal

You can now feel the fresh grass under you as you lay
November 22 is Independence Day

Congratulations Delhi, We love you so
Stay with us a while, you're not ready to go

Kim