Alla ricerca di Poli

The sun is setting. It majestically dominates the desert, offering countless shades of color. The entire golden expanse seems asleep. The new shadows of the evening envelop the outlines of the landscape, creating a new, almost perfect atmosphere.

In the land of King Melech, a pale moon is timidly preparing to illuminate the great city, with the magnificent royal palace that has always overlooked those distant lands.

The sovereign, a wise astronomer, philosopher, and poet, wanders the palace terraces every evening to find new bright stars. For a long time, he has been searching the night sky for an answer to the myriad questions that crowd his mind.

With the help of his precious armillary sphere, a device capable of measuring space, he studies the celestial vault. These evenings he is particularly anxious because, in addition to searching for new stars, he is awaiting wonderful news...

The foal of his beloved champion, the mare Polaris, is about to be born.

Melech sighs: "I've been scanning this sky for so long, searching for the perfect constellation... Perhaps it's so far away that I can't see it?" he laments as he leans on his staff, "or perhaps I'm simply too distracted, confused... lost?"

His imposing figure moves gracefully along the castle's battlements. His white, gleaming robe floats lightly in the dark, as if it had a life of its own.

From a distance, he looked like a ghost.

Meanwhile, in the castle stables, Polaris, the king's beautiful thoroughbred, gives birth to her little one. Proud of her son, she happily cares for him.

She gently nurses him and whispers: "You are beautiful, a true darling! You look healthy and robust, with a soft, silky coat! You are truly enchanting!"

Observing him more closely, however, doubts arise.

"What a small tail you have, and how are your ears made?" she scrutinizes him more carefully: "Why is your mane so rough, almost coarse?" After that moment of astonishment, the mother shakes off all doubt and finds an explanation.

"Who knows, maybe thoroughbreds are like this at birth, I don't have much experience in the matter!" she admits. Then, she calmly adds: "My personal groom will be here soon, and you'll see how many compliments he'll give us!"

The little one is ecstatic with her.

Excited, Polaris imagines: "I can't imagine King Melech's expression when he sees you... I can't wait to meet him!" and as she daydreams, she falls asleep next to the little one, exhausted by so many emotions.

She is immediately awakened by Yaron, her groom and friend. She is thrilled to see him again and, proud, standing tall beside her little one, she says: "Here, Poli, isn't he a marvel?"

She gently moves the foal to better show him to the expert's eyes. The old man shows his joy at seeing the creature that, with uncertain steps, begins to wander between them. That bony man, with a weathered appearance, loses color as he observes the newcomer.

Finally, he declares: "He's beautiful and robust. His coat is perfect, without spots, except for that star on his forehead..." and he seems enthusiastic, then words fail him.