Legendofgrace

The Legend of Grace
An Old Indian Legend

"There is an old, old legend of how it came to be, that dog forsook the
wild to dwell with folks like you and me.

Now man and beast they lived on a common bit of earth. Each specie
thought the other of very little worth.

One day there was a rumble, the earth began to quake. It gave a mighty
shudder, and then began to break.

A crack began to widen between the beasts and man. Some watched the
crevasse deepen, but most just turned and ran.

Now dog surveyed the distance, and man beheld it too. Between them
sprang a yearning, a feeling strange and new.

Then each one begged the other to make the fateful leap. Yet each one
dreaded jumping a crack so wide and deep.

So dog compelled his courage, and told man he would try. He eyed the
fatal distance, for if he failed, he'd die.

Then dog prepared to jump across, his courage had decided. That if he
could but make the jump, they'd no more be divided.

His muscles bunched beneath him; his body left the ground. The wind
raced past his muzzle; his heart began to pound.

His senses sought the purchase of land beneath his feet. At last-his
forepaws met the ground, his mission was complete!

No! His hind feet have slipped and he's falling off the side! His gallant
farewell look said, "At least, new friend, I tried."

With disbelieving glance, man beheld his falling friend. He wouldn't let
it happen; it couldn't be the end!

Then flesh smote air in searching and hand met paw and fur. Then man
pulled dog to safety as heart to heart they were.

Man called and dog responded, and though the gulf was wide. Man
gained the loyal canine, forever by his side."

by Klea V. Stilwell

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