those who do not learn from history

are doomed to repeat it

I knew it had to be close. I mean, the foal inside me kept moving and squirming and I didn’t get any rest any more. These last few weeks had been particularly tough. I mean, I couldn’t lay down; I couldn’t stand up. I had thought that having a foal as massive as Satitba had been (no offense to my darling but she was big) I could take anything else. Nope. My swollen belly seemed to have beaten my expectations once more. Pregnancy is hard. If foals weren’t so darn cute and sweet then they would certainly not be worth it.

Thankfully, foals are precious.

Finally, I knew it was time. I remembered the feelings of labor from Satitba’s journey and sought out my usual spot. It was a nice, dry, not too sandy section of the paradise with lovely palms overhead. It helped as the labor began late in the day and continued into the early morning. Ugh. I had forgotten how terrible this is. When I’d birth Satitba in a cave in the Arch, I thought I was going to die. Well, I know I’m not likely to die now… but the thought definitely crossed my mind as the contractions intensified.

I won’t go into detail about it. I’d rather forget it myself.

Definitely not soon enough everything ended. I was out of breath, but I knew this wasn’t over. I wish that they didn’t come out with that sticky stuff I had to clean. Then I could just lie here and catch my breath. But, alas, no rest for the wear as Mama would say. Well, actually she’d say it more like Nah res’ fer da weareh, gal. Naw, git up and git goin’! I could almost feel her bop me on the but as I turned to look at my child.

My heart stopped for a moment as I took in the foal. Oh yes, he was worth it. I smiled and reached out to clean him up a bit, getting rid of all the nasty sticky stuff. To my surprise, though, he was red. I mean, I’m gold. Sahin is gold with spots. But this little guy, he was red. He looked up at me, two brilliant white socks on his front hooves. He snorted and twitched as a bug landed on him. Then he proceeded to sneeze and the bug zipped away. I couldn’t help but laugh and nuzzle him once more.

He looked up at me and I’m sure instinct was telling him it was time to stand up. I encouraged that. I pushed his butt a little bit, and nibbled along his wet mane right where the neck met the shoulders.

“ ‘Um on naw,” I called. “Is ahma gi up!” I know he doesn’t understand me yet. But he’ll learn. The sun comes up over the Ridge and lights on him. I have to wonder if the shine in his coat is like mine or if it is simply from being covered in that wet stuff. Then again, he’s still perfect. He isn’t as sharp as I am - not as refined either. His head seems to resemble mine though.

He struggled to get his legs under him. There were several falls and one complete roll after which, his little sand-covered body gave a little shake and he sneezed. I couldn’t help but giggle. After what seemed like forever, he finally managed to stand and take his first steps. He fell a few more times before he found his way to my side. I nuzzled him as he found his way to his first meal. He adjusted his socked legs a bit with his tail wagging rapidly as he enjoyed himself.

“Da’s id,” I said. “Da’s a bud boy.” What was I gonna call him? Uh… yeah. We’d figure that out in a bit I guess. He had some lovely socks… “Sahkka,” I smiled. “Da soun’s lahke a fun un, don’ id?”

:. mare .:. seven .:. akhal-teke .:. palomino .:. 15.3 hh .:. lives in the paradise .:. mother of .:. unknown x unknown .:. Blushie .: