FILOMENA: THE GIRL WHO LOVED HORSES (THE REST OF THE STORY) (A Bedtime/Naptime/Anytime Penny-candy Rhyme for “Children†of All Ages) By Phyllis (Filomena) Minnitte-Bilbo Long ago, In days of yore, Lived Filomena, Brothers five, and Sisters four. 'Neath star-spangled sky And canopy blue, Mama and Papa Lived with them, too. Surrounded by mountains That reached to the sky, Their town of Spring Glen In the valley did lie. There, Chickens and cats And creatures galore All lived together, Alone and by score. To be sure, All the creatures, Filomena did love, She loved them all dearly As cold hand loves glove. Though Filomena loved Each one of them true, Still, 'Twas HORSES She sought to give her heart to. Faith, 'Twas her love of horses That started it all; Unrequited love, The cause of her fall. Thus, It happened one day Filomena did hear The clip-clop of hoof beats Resound in not one, but both ears! Upon hearing the sounds of Those hooves on the street, Filomena determined Their owners she’d meet. Then, quicker than lightning She made for the door, With reckless abandon, OUTSIDE SHE TORE! Alas, She arrived on the scene As they'd clip-clopped on by; Now, catch them she must, or At least she must try. Yet, Try as she would, The best she could do Was to lunge for their wagon and HANG-ON, thereto! 'Twas fun, to be sure, From that tailgate to cling; Yet, trying to board it proved The more challenging thing. Ere long, A car from behind Filomena did hear; Out-run it she must, BUT THE CAR WAS TOO NEAR! With a sickening thud, “Phyl†fell to the ground, While the world around her Spun 'round and around. The driver alarmed By the deed he had done Fast abandoned his car, To Phyl he did run. Relieved to discover The babe was alive, He plucked her up quickly, Then homeward they hied. At last, Phyl's mother arouséd he there, Where she’d sat Hummin’, ’n’ sewin’, In her favorite chair. Oh, what a sight it was to behold, Filomena, Her cuts, scratches, and bruises― Her mama, white cold! Taking matters in hand, Phyl's bruises Ma tended; Though well did she know ’Twould take time Ere Phyl mended. Still, As might be expected, Ma then ’n’ there freed The guiltless driver of his guilt, then Hied she back to “Mena's†needs. Meanwhile, As evening ‘gan to quicken And family gathered round, Filomena, head, arms, legs all bandaged, Gave forth with woeful sounds. Alas, Life in the glen, at one time serene, Had suddenly acquired a dispiriting sheen! Indeed, Father waxed angry with both “Mena†and Mother, No better fared they, though, With either sisters or brothers. Though Mama hadn't chided, Pa and siblings weren't so kind, For they, in no uncertain terms, to Phyl (and Ma) expressed their minds. Yet, As might be expected, “Time healed all woundsâ€; Ere long, they all sang Not only more, but Merrier tunes. And, yes, The day finally came When Filomena, once more, Upon hearing those hoof beats, MADE STRAIGHT FOR THE DOOR! Had Filomena learned her lesson, Once and for all? Granted, Though she dashed out the door, Did not she stall At the “curb,†after-all? Looking out from her window, Ma gave an approvin’ nod and a smile; Yes, The lesson, though painful, Had all been worth while. Is not the moral of this story, then, (If indeed there can be one) That Chasin’ horses down the street Can lead to HARMLESS (?) fun? (Not hardly!) Even so, ‘Twasn’t long (sixty, plus or minus, years hence), Ere the time did arrive When I, Filomena, got MY wish— NOT ONE HORSE, BUT FIVE!!!!! Atiyah, Candy, Cazzena, C.J., and Ben To treasure, Along with Fancy, Silver, and Sen, For the best of good measures!~!~! THE END