ME AND MAJESTIC

THE COUNTRY PRINCESS

 

Since we moved to Anna, I’ve missed the tree-lined trails in Allen along which I ran every morning. I’ve missed the crunching of the leaves under my feet and the morning dew glistening on the grass and leaves of the trees.    I’ve yearned for the inhabitants I often encountered while running along the shady trails—the squirrels, the rabbits, and the variety of birds singing their morning serenades.   But our new neighborhood is so new that the trees are small and provide little shade and, therefore, don’t attract the host of creatures I’m accustomed to seeing. 

Although I’ve looked, I’ve yet to see a single squirrel or rabbit—only the occasional unleashed dog or the meandering skunk as it makes its way down the county road.  I usually jog down my street; make a slight left; and then a right turn onto County Road 1106.  There are few trees along this concrete path, but each day I trudge forward hoping I’ll find what I’m looking for.  Eventually, I arrive at the junction of County Roads 1106 and 426—a great place to catch my breath before turning around and heading west back down the county road. 

Each morning I’ve stopped here and admired the horses grazing in the pasture adjacent to a small trailer home.  One horse in particular has caught my attention; when I stop, she raises her head; our eyes met; and we eyeball one another briefly.  Then a few days ago, I began a one-way conversation with this horse and dubbed her Majestic—simply because she looks so regal.  She’s a brown beauty with a white triangular crown that extends from her nose up to her ears; her hooves are white; and she prances through the pasture with a certain air about her.  Every morning hence I’ve paused; called her by name; and ventured a bit closer to the fence that separates the two of us. 

Today when I arrived at the junction, Majestic was only about 30 yards from the fence; I lingered at the fence and called her by name.  “Good morning, Miss Majestic.  How’s the country princess today?” 

She raised her head and tousled her mane as if to say “Hello.  Do you have an apple for me?”  I inched closer to the fence. 

“Aren’t you a regal lady, Miss Majestic!”  She advanced cautiously; I stood in awe at the beauty of the animal approaching me.  I moved a couple of steps closer; Majestic came right up to the fence!  I slowly reached my hand through the opening; she stared into my eyes.  I gingerly stroked her nose and neck first on the right side then on the left.   I stroked her several times until she told me it was time to go.

“Okay, Majestic.  Thanks for letting me visit.”  I backed away slowly.  “Tomorrow, Majestic, I’ll bring you an apple from home.”  For an instant I thought I saw her wink at me.    Time stood still; and at that moment I understood what serendipity is—stumbling upon something truly wonderful while looking for something entirely different.