Yawcob Strauss and Other Poems/Sequel to the "One-Horse Shay"

by Charles Follen Adams

SEQUEL TO THE "ONE-HORSE SHAY."

Doubtless my readers all have heard

Of the "wonderful one-horse shay "

That "went to pieces all at once"

On the terrible earthquake-day.

But did they ever think of the horse,

Or mourn the loss of him,—

The "ewe-necked bay" (who drew the "shay"),

So full of life and vim?

He was a wonderful nag, I'm told,

In spite of his old "rat-tail;"

And, though he always minded the rein,

He laughed at the snow and hail.

He had the finest stable in town,

With plenty of oats and hay;

And to the parson's oft "Hud-dup"

He never would answer neigh.

To the parson's shay he was ever true,

Though her other felloes were tired:

To live and die with his fiancée

Was all that his heart desired.

He was much attached to his ancient mate;

So the parson "hitched them together;"

And, when they went on their bridle tour,

His heart was light as a feather.

We all remember her awful fate,

On that sad November day,

When nothing remained but a heap of trash,

That once was a beautiful shay.

Oh! what could stir-up the equine breast

Like this fearful, harrowing blow.

Which put a check on his happiness,

And filled his heart with w(h)oa.

As he wheeled about, a shaft of pain

Entered his faithful breast,

As he there beheld the sad remains

Of her whom he loved the best.

With a sudden bound and fearful snort,

He sped away like the wind;

And a fact most queer I'll mention here, —

No traces were left behind.