The Five

In the 1950's and 60's, driving past a time honored farm, a memory was made.

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In Aisle 11, there are 5 horses.

Lucky…Star Lady…Slow Gin…Funny Boy…and Thunder.

Thoroughbred racehorses—

fast as a shout—

faster.

Their manes taut in their own wind,

around the track they flew.

On sunny days, their legs could disappear in speed.

In wet or cold, they were moved from outside to the indoor track at Shuttleworth’s Farm where they could continue to condition themselves for important races and the high season in Saratoga.

Pristine white wash marked stables and barns and miles of wooden fencing, an environment for champions…he understood his horses.

The five were his friends and often he would spend time in the evening talking to them or listening.

As they got older together, they were replaced with younger versions built and bred for speed. Yet the five stayed on, running the tracks when able; enjoying the pasture and each other’s company on days when they were deemed too fragile.

They watched young versions of themselves working as hard as they had, but more often turned away to enjoy retirement.

Every few years the five lost one.

Lucky was first, then Thunder followed the next winter. Slow Gin caught a virus and died in his sleep. Star Lady lasted another year but when she died Funny Boy stopped eating and soon faded away too.

As years went by, fewer horses were trained at the private farm. The buildings became relics sitting on prime acreage.

And in the front, by the highway, stood five stone markers.

Eventually, the farm was razed and Mega-Mart built a superstore.

Under aisle 11 there are five horses.

Lucky…Star Lady…Slow Gin…Funny Boy…and Thunder.

By Judy DeCroce

From: United States