Sunrise at the Waterhole

 by Alyssa Long

             I have heard cowboys talking about places far, far away. I have heard tales of sunrises that shone like the brightest bonfire. I have heard of oceans that stretch as far as you can see and gleam with the richest shade of blue. Every time I hear these tales, however, I remember my paradise and know they have never seen a quiet field of daisies and violets dancing in the dew-sparkling grass. I have, though.

            My paradise on the ranch is taking my horse, Diamond, to the waterhole early in the morning. It is just so beautiful and quiet. I love to walk down the path toward the water and sing softly to Diamond. I sing the songs I have heard cowboys sing to their horses and cows. Diamond always shakes her head when it brushes the wet grass. We reach the waterhole just as the sun is rising above the horizon. It sparkles on the surface of the calm, still water. Sometimes, it even turns the water a vibrant red or orange.

            I first saw Diamond at the waterhole. I remember Father had just brought the herd in for the spring, and new colts and fillies were dancing around the waterhole. I noticed a tan filly shaking her head by the pond reeds. Water dripped off her chin and sparkled like diamonds in the sunrise. Ever since then, Diamond has been my horse.

Sometimes if we stay there long enough a fish will jump out of the water. Once the fish jumps, the entire prairie seems to wake up. Birds start singing, and bugs hum in the long grass. Once the animals start singing, I know it is not long until Mother comes out and calls for us. Her lilting voice carries on the wind. Once her voice dies to barely a whisper, I hop onto Diamond’s back, and we gallop home across the sparkling ocean of grass as the blazing sky fades to a pastel blue.