April 12, 2008

Mystic Horse

 I’ve been stuck on this Paul Goble book lately, because it tells the story of an old, unwanted horse who turns out to be a divine gift, and is transformed by loving care into the swiftest and most beautiful of horses.   

 I’ve been stuck on it lately, because I care passionately about animal rescue, though at the moment I’m scarcely more than a reader of its stories.  I’ve little money to give, certainly no land on which to foster something as large as a horse, and my own rescued pet is of the sort who makes it impossible to take on another.  So, you know, I read, and care, and occasionally pester my congresspeople.  And I appreciate a good story.  

Goble’s story and pictures speak to how changing the life of a neglected animal can transform us.  The story is based on a Pawnee Legend, so you’ll find it in most libraries with the unauthored - amongst the faery tales. I don’t claim that it’s meant to be read as a parable of animal rescue, but just as Goble gets the attitude of a young buffalo calf right, he gets the starving, neglected and dispirited animals, transformed and made beautiful. 

Paul Goble brings his Mystic Horse from abject…
Paul Goble brings his Mystic Horse from abject…
… to glorious.
Mystic Horse, by Paul Goble. 

… to glorious.

Mystic Horse, by Paul Goble.