Thursday, September 20, 2012

Flash Friday 55 "Man o' War"


Man o' War

America's genetic gold,
son of "good tidings",

his veins throbbed fire,
his mind, desire;
had a 26-foot stride
that soared as if winged.

Rebellious youngster,
"like holding a tiger's tail",
he became "De mostest hoss
that ever drew breath."

He transcended his sport,
a "Babe Ruth" of the track,

"brought one close
to divinity."


by Margaret Bednar  9.20.12

Man o' War and his caretaker, Will Harbut
Click on the above link (under the picture of him with his groom if you are interested in reading about this famous race horse.

I just got done re-reading a book I had from my childhood "Man o' War" by Walter Farley.  It is fiction, but largely based on fact.  A very uplifting read!  I highly recommend it.

Fred Stone  has painted many a magnificent horse.  I'm considering purchasing this poster of Man o' War.

My poem is linked with Flash Friday 55... a non-fiction story (or in my case, a poem) in 55 words!
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19 comments:

  1. Brian MillerSeptember 20, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    def a magnificent creature...i like the dialogue you include as well...now to check out that painting....

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  2. Brian MillerSeptember 20, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    wow that is a pretty cool poster...love the ghost images behind them...

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  3. limeSeptember 20, 2012 at 10:47 PM

    quite a creature!

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  4. Ann (bunnygirl)September 20, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    I love that horse and Walter Farley's book. I read it many times as a kid. A pilgrimage to pay my respects to Big Red is on my list of must-dos if I ever go to Kentucky!

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  5. Far Beyond The RidgeSeptember 21, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    This made me think of john henry, who died in '07 at 32.
    The meanest horse that ever was(except maybe for his dad, ol bob bowers)
    He was called the steel drivin horse. Won horse of the year twice!
    I used to go see him at least once a yr at the ky horse park.
    I loved that mean ol horse
    Great poem, margaret
    And what horse lover doesn't have farley somewhere on a shelf?
    Rick

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  6. FireblossomSeptember 21, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    You really brought him to life for me, Margaret, and the poster is gorgeous. Still, I think Sebastian is better. ;-)

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  7. G-ManSeptember 21, 2012 at 6:04 AM

    Margaret...
    As a child I was intrigued by all the early great race horses.
    Citation and Whirlaway were my favorites as well.
    I still don't think they could have beat Secretariat.
    Loved your equine 55
    Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass Week-End.(By 3 and a 1/2 lengths)

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  8. SusanSeptember 21, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    A vivid memorial, wow. I see him. Buy the poster! He seems to be a muse of yours . . .

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2012 at 7:47 AM

    I always also found the name intriguing when I was little - the idea of a horse as man! I know they didn't mean it that way.

    Thanks for the tribute - in poem and pics. k.

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  10. izzySeptember 21, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    Good ol' Walter Farley ! I used to live for his books- Nice poster too.
    Thanks for the race horse revival, I have been stuck in Drafts!

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  11. Kerry O'ConnorSeptember 21, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    You write so beautifully about horses, Margaret.

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  12. BubbaSeptember 21, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    Beautiful, graceful, powerful... it's no wonder that horses have long inspired Man in many ways.

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  13. DaydreamertooSeptember 21, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    He looks like a fabulous horse Margaret. Great name for him too :)!

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  14. Alice AudreySeptember 21, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Can you imagine riding such a divine animal? And I thought going down a shale hill on a quarter horse was thrilling.

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  15. UnknownSeptember 21, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    What a beautiful tribute. My late dad used to own three racing horses. I love them very much. Beautiful 55! Mine is here
    Have you an AWESOME ROCKING WEEKEND!
    hugs
    shakira

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  16. hedgewitchSeptember 21, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    I read every Walter Farley I could find at the library when I was a kid. Man o' War was an amazing fellow--love your use of quotes in this to bring him to life.

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  17. Other MarySeptember 21, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    A great tribute to a great horse. I absolutely loved all the Black Stallion books back when I was a kid, so I really appreciate this.

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  18. Maude LynnSeptember 21, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    Can you imagine what it must have been like to ride him? Just awe inspiring!

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  19. ChristineSeptember 22, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    amazing how once in awhile an animal comes along that is awe inspiring

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