If I Were A Pony

A beautiful story of enduring friendship makes this early reader a captivating book for families to share.

“Leonard Eckhaus has achieved a most wonderful allegory in If I Were A Pony. A poem set to pictures designed for young readers, this work transcends all ages by entering the imagination of a pony and its perception of life from beginning to end and a loving bond between friends. There are lessons within that become obvious and will enhance the spiritual, emotional and imagination of young readers as well as their families. A book for the generations.”

—Abe Schwartz, Emmy-winning Hollywood Video Editor

Leonard Eckhaus is the founder of AFCOM, the leading organization in the world for data center managers. His comments and opinions have appeared in such publications as The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. He also co-founded the record label LL MUSIC LLC and received two Grammy nominations in 2018.

Leonard’s first book, My Journey: Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way, The Memoirs of Leonard I. Eckhaus, was published in 2018 and more recently Grinza’s Orchard – An Enchanted Tale, the story of a gypsy girl born in Romania in 1890, a Mom’s Choice Award Recipient.

LEONARD ECKHAUS

“Ever since I was a child, I loved to read. If I Were A Pony is meant for children, yet even as an adult I found myself lost in it—in the perfect rhyming and the beautiful, emotional relationship of love between the little boy and his pony. I adore this book and I really wish I had it in my hands when I was a child…but aren’t we all children in our hearts? A beautiful book for children and for all of us who are young at heart. Len truly is a great storyteller, in rhymes or not, always capturing the essence of love and relationships—of what truly matters in our lives. A must read for sure.”

—Giada Valenti, Award-winning Singer/Songwriter

IF I WERE A PONY

“If I Were A Pony is a story about a boy and his pony going through life together—a love story of two ‘friends’ who live together and grow old together, sharing nuzzles and gallops and those long rides together that make life worth living. The story is very sweet and touched my heart…”

—Jeri Crawford, Chairman of the Board, Las Vegas Philharmonic

Leonard Eckhaus illustrated by Stacy

Hummel

Leonard Eckhaus illustrated by Stacy Hummel

If I Were A Pony

by Leonard Eckhaus illustrated by Stacy Hummel copyright ©2021 Leonard Eckhaus All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Headline Books.

To order additional copies of this book, or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Kids P. O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 Email: mybook@headlinebooks.com www.headlinebooks.com Lucas Kelly—Design/Layout Published by Headline Books Headline Kids is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN-13: 9781951556419

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020944382

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I dedicate this book to my very youngest granddaughter, Hannah Jordan Yaoz, who came into my life when my other grandchildren were all grown up and I thought I’d never have another.

Hannah, I was 70 years old when you were born, and you brought a renewed spirit and vitality to my life.

Thank you for being such a pretty, bright, talented and caring child. You have inspired me to think young again.

I had forgotten the special joys of being a grandfather.

I have loved every minute of singing to you, coloring with you, holding your hand as we crossed the street, building Legos, and everything else we have done together since you were born.

This story is for you.

If I were a pony And you a young boy,

You would bring me an apple And I’d eat it with joy.

If I were a pony I’d take you for a ride,

6

O’er the hills and valleys Together we’d glide.

7

If I were a pony I’d see you each day,

8

I’d wait in the barn Until you came to play.

9

If I were a pony when you came around,

10

You would be there to feed me And then brush me down.

11

If I were a pony And you were sad,

12

I’d nuzzle your face And wipe away the bad.

13

If I were a pony You would bring your best friend,

14

And together we’d ride To the rainbow’s end.

15

If I were a pony And you a young man,

16

You would share all your dreams You would tell me your plans.

17

If I were a pony And you a grown man,

18

You’d still come for a ride Like when we began.

19

If I were a pony And too old to ride,

20

When you came to visit I’d have tears in my eyes.

21

If I were a pony When my days were near done,

22

I’d remember the rides We took in the sun.

23

How we sprinted and raced And galloped so fast,

24

As if somehow we knew It just might not last.

25

I’d remember how we frolicked without any fears,

26

And the magic we shared Down through the years.

27

And I’d remember these times Through the tears in my eyes,

28

With a sadness I’d feel That I couldn’t disguise.

29

Yet, whenever I’d think of those days gone by, I would still feel a special joy inside.

30

For, if I were a pony ...I’d be the happiest pony there ever, ever was!

31

The End

32

A beautiful story of enduring friendship makes this early reader a captivating book for families to share.

“Leonard Eckhaus has achieved a most wonderful allegory in If I Were A Pony. A poem set to pictures designed for young readers, this work transcends all ages by entering the imagination of a pony and its perception of life from beginning to end and a loving bond between friends. There are lessons within that become obvious and will enhance the spiritual, emotional and imagination of young readers as well as their families. A book for the generations.”

—Abe Schwartz, Emmy-winning Hollywood Video Editor

Leonard Eckhaus is the founder of AFCOM, the leading organization in the world for data center managers. His comments and opinions have appeared in such publications as The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. He also co-founded the record label LL MUSIC LLC and received two Grammy nominations in 2018.

Leonard’s first book, My Journey: Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way, The Memoirs of Leonard I. Eckhaus, was published in 2018 and more recently Grinza’s Orchard – An Enchanted Tale, the story of a gypsy girl born in Romania in 1890, a Mom’s Choice Award Recipient.

LEONARD ECKHAUS

“Ever since I was a child, I loved to read. If I Were A Pony is meant for children, yet even as an adult I found myself lost in it—in the perfect rhyming and the beautiful, emotional relationship of love between the little boy and his pony. I adore this book and I really wish I had it in my hands when I was a child…but aren’t we all children in our hearts? A beautiful book for children and for all of us who are young at heart. Len truly is a great storyteller, in rhymes or not, always capturing the essence of love and relationships—of what truly matters in our lives. A must read for sure.”

—Giada Valenti, Award-winning Singer/Songwriter

IF I WERE A PONY

“If I Were A Pony is a story about a boy and his pony going through life together—a love story of two ‘friends’ who live together and grow old together, sharing nuzzles and gallops and those long rides together that make life worth living. The story is very sweet and touched my heart…”

—Jeri Crawford, Chairman of the Board, Las Vegas Philharmonic

Leonard Eckhaus illustrated by Stacy

Hummel