A mother and her child venture out during a fierce storm. The mother, feeling the cold, leaves her daughter snug in the buggy to fetch a quilt. Unattended, the horse becomes frightened by a dog and bolts, taking the child with it. The mother, in a panic, attempts to chase after them but loses her way. She searches tirelessly throughout the day, growing increasingly desperate as night approaches, fearing for her child's safety in the freezing conditions. As the night passes, the mother prays for her child's protection. The next day, a group of boys playing in the woods discovers the buggy and the horse, which has remained nearby, lying down with the child nestled against it. The horse appears to have cared for the child, providing warmth and protection throughout the night. The mother, upon finding her daughter safe, expresses gratitude for the child's miraculous survival and the horse's unexpected guardianship. The narrative concludes with a moral lesson about trusting in divine providence, highlighting the bond between the child and the horse and the protective instincts of animals. The story emphasizes themes of maternal love, fear, and the unexpected ways in which safety can be found in dire circumstances.
By James McIntyre · First published 1974 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Drama