Black Beauty and the Thunderstorm


CHAPTER ONE
My Own True Name




I have had many names.
But the name I knew first,
the one that is my own true name,
is Black Beauty.

When I was young,
I lived in a green meadow
and ran free with my mother
and my friends.

Then I was sold.
I had a lot of bad luck
and worse owners.


Finally, a cabdriver named Jerry
became my new master.


Jerry's family ran out to greet us
when we got to the big city.
Everyone spoke at once.
"Let's call him Jack!"
said a girl named Dolly.
"He's a beauty,"
said Jerry's wife.
"Can I ride him?" asked Dolly.
Jerry laughed and patted my neck.

"You are not a city horse,"
Jerry said to me.
"And driving a cab is hard work.
But I can see by your manner
that you're a good horse.
I hope we will get along."


BLACK BEAUTY AND THE THUNDERSTORM. Text copyright © 2011 by Susan Hill.