(Hope it makes sense, I'm up late and haven't given it a second read!)
THE AUNTS FROM FOALING FORUM (with my apologies to Banjo Paterson and 'the Man from Snowy River')
There was movement in the udders, for the word had passed around
That the mares were due to foal in but a day,
And the Aunties as the called them were abound,
With little sleep still they had their say.
All the old and all the new from the countries near and far
Had gathered in a corner every night,
For the Aunties love a foal watch where the cranky mares are,
And they crack their drinks open with delight.
There was Anna from colder lands, with her photos galore,
Her rolling hills and daffodils brought our envy up;
And Diane at the sight of spots meant her blood was fairly up –
“More pics!” she’d say “check where no man would want to go!”
And Heidi who would start it all she was quick to lend a hand,
Dear little Peanut on the reins;
Quickly joined by Cassie the wait she couldn’t stand,
You could see the excitement in her veins.
And one there was from Italy with her little herd to join,
With a little stallion who probably didn’t know his size,
A bit of paranoia after what he has put us through,
But we’ll forgive him since with his mum he is a prize.
And somewhat nutty Bree with an internet that would die –
With Lyric soon to follow with her quick impatient tread;
They all bore the badge of gameness in their bright and fiery eyes,
And love of breed but somewhat soft in head.
But still they rambled onwards, the forum asked “will they stay?”
And the answer was “Would you?
For a long and tiring watch – it takes a special type I say,
The nights are long and rough... quick is that mushy poo?”
So they waited sleep deprived and wistful – they all stood as friends –
“She’ll have it when she’s ready,” they said;
“We’ll be with you if you need us at the end,
For we are Aunties and please tell us what she’s fed.
“We come from all around, on every compass side,
And why we may be nuts we know the goings rough,
So we will sit here with you and help you while you find your stride,
A bottle of wine and a joke is enough.
For the Aunties are attentive in the forum that is home,
Where the posts come quick with not a breath between;
We have seen many a foal since we first commenced to roam,
But nowhere such insanity have I seen.”
And so their numbers grew with time now they are quite a clump,
Analysing images with furrowed brow,
And giving their suggestions, “Watch or she’ll get the jump,
No use for fancy trick now.
And check her udder, how’s it feel? You should know when she’s right.
And her milk, careful of the spills,
And check her hoohaa, I know it’s an odd sight,
It’s not too much to ask for please don’t run off to the hills.”
And so it all continues with the Aunties on the wing,
The best and boldest watchers in their place,
And while the mares soon pass them, they’ll always be here to stay,
With the memories and their stories they don’t forget a face.
And everyone is welcome, every mare will have their day
And every foal is treasured in our view,
Now off they charge to continue in their slightly maddened dash.
And off into their forum they flew.