Song of the Mockingbird: My Journey with Josefina

This side of the plaza is packed with horses offered for trade. They are of all colors and sizes. I see a spotted black and white horse, a deep chestnut horse, a light tan one with a black mane and tail. And there’s a young palomino with a beautiful blonde color. Each horse wears a rope halter tethered to a peg in the ground. The traders stand behind them in groups, talking and waiting for offers. Men walk up and down, studying the horses, looking in their mouths, and examining their shoulders and flanks.

They are beautiful. I stare at their large, intelligent eyes and tossing heads. Their ears are pricked at the noise and excitement, and their nostrils flare. Josefina proposes we each pick out horses for one another. Josefina will pick out one for Mariana. I should pick out one for her, and Mariana will pick out one for me. Then we can ride our mounts back to our homes. I add that we can race along the way. We all laugh.

Josefina says she likes slow and steady. Sturdy, too. Mariana mimics the serious faces of the men inspecting the horses and says with a twinkle in her eye that horse trading is serious business. We walk up and down the rows of horses with our hands clasped behind our backs, just like the adult horse-buyers. I look carefully at the big chestnut who stands calmly with his noble head high. Behind him is a cool black stallion who tosses his head and rolls his eyes at me when I get too close. Josefina spends a long time looking at the palomino, and Mariana seems enchanted by a slender bay who snuffles her hand.

After a few moments, I announce I’ve made my decision. Josefina says she has, too. She gestures toward a perky black mare beside us. She says her eyes sparkle like Mariana’s, and her mane is the same color as Mariana’s hair.

Now it’s my turn. I stand straight and tell Josefina that I have chosen a bold and swift, yet young horse. Josefina is a skilled teacher, so she will be able to teach him everything, since he will require instruction. I gesture towards the palomino, who is little more than a colt. Josefina strokes his velvety nose.

Lastly, Mariana says she has chosen a horse for me, too. Even though we have just met, she just knows we can be friends. So, she is choosing the chestnut horse. Friendly and loyal. I feel a rush of affection for this girl who I have just met and who has accepted me as a friend.

I think of Audrey and how she wants to be my friend, even though we’ve just met. I didn’t want to leave Danielle behind, but maybe I don’t have to. Josefina is still friends with Mariana even though she welcomes me. Maybe being friends with Audrey doesn’t mean I have to lose Danielle.