Silver Shadows
By Emily Hufford

They came to this Earth in the same breath
The creator allowing two of nature's most magnificent creatures
To come into our lives together
One born in Florida
The other in California
Two grays of unspeakable personality
Free House and Silver Charm

From March to May
They chased each other home
Free House giving his owners thrills
That would last a lifetime and more
Nose and nose, down the stretch
Every single race was treated to a sight
Of two shadows moving as one

They shared victories and traded defeats
Racing's ultimate prize would find its way
To Silver Charm's great feat that day
It was months before they'd meet again
Yet they greeted each other like old friends
It was once again the Charm's big chance
He'd captured the hearts of the world

Then came the final race
The last meeting between the two heroes
In the Big Cap, Santa Anita's prize
Free House would show he wouldn't be forgotten
His head down on the wire
Silver Charm staggered home, defeated once more
When, in early June, the Iron Gray retired
Free House was found with an injury
And couldn't stand to race without his silver friend
He also retired, so that their sons could fight on the track

The two grays, two champions
Who came to this Earth from God's own hand
And their epic battles of courage and will
Would live in our hearts as time would tell
Perhaps, when they're gone
They'll be together
Running races up in heaven