~~~~~

Johnny had a golden horse,
Its mane was creamy white;
And everywhere that Johnny rode,
B'ranca ran with all his might.

He raced up a mountain side one day--
Murdoch said he'd never last--
But still the hands did yell and cheer
To see him go so fast.

With straining neck, flying shod hooves,
And silky streaming tail;
He proudly bore his master
While darting up the trail.

Scott thought he'd never keep that pace
To the top of the rocky rim,
For the trail was narrow and treacherous;
This made his chances slim.

But Barranca never missed a step
Or slowed to take a rest;
He hurdled up with bounding strides
Until he reached the crest.

"What makes him pour his all out so?"
Asked a new man in amaze,
For never had he witnessed
Such heart or speed or grace.

"Don't tell me you haven't heard?"
Replied Scott, taking off a glove.
"What fosters such great loyalty
Is Johnny's steadfast love."

~~~~~

(Revision of Mary Had A Little Lamb)