THE SUFFOLK PUNCH
I may not have a Tiger’s stripe, a Panda’s eye, a Rhino’s Charge
Or pull on distant heartstrings when the hat goes round for helping hands
I may not gently fill your screens with longing looks from Nature’s deep
Where Children see a doleful gaze and into pillows sadly weep
But once upon a time long gone, I had a place high in this land
Where in your line, or by your side we formed a team of Horse and Man
And with your kin come rain or shine, we ground it out and fed your folk
Upon my back I bore the brunt, I heaved on plough and carried hope
I may not have a Tiger’s Stripe, a Leopard’s spots, an Aardvark’s snout
Or reach beyond my field, my home like others from a far flung shore
To some I’m just a tired old horse with nothing much to fuss about
A throwback to an age that’s passed, who fades behind a stable door
But if you look beyond my looks, my Chesnut hide and kindly eye
You’ll find a trust that failed you not, you’ll find an air of do or die
A Gentle Giant of honest stock, you’ll see a beast who’s just as rare
As all those creatures with appeal; without the history that we share
I may not have a Tiger’s stripe, a Bobcat’s tail, A Condor’s span
Or conjure up exotic yarns from Jungles, mountains, rivers, plains
I may not be a poster boy on City streets for Ad Campaigns
But I am proud and I am strong and I am yours from days since gone
I am a Heavy Horse of old, a stalwart, worker, humble friend
Our story’s one that should be told, a story now that shouldn’t end
This is my plight, take up my cause; with providence enact my plea
I am the Suffolk Punch you see, please do your very best for me
©Henry Birtles