# Dark Clouds, Then Tall Grass explained — Smoky the Cowhorse

> Chapter companion for Smoky the Cowhorse by Will James.

## What happens

Clint nurses Smoky back to health after his return, but the horse seems to have forgotten him. Clint tries to rekindle Smoky's memory by introducing him to a herd with newborn colts, which revitalizes Smoky's spirit. Eventually, Smoky returns to Clint with a nicker, signaling that his heart has come back to life.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Human-Animal Bond

Clint's unwavering care for Smoky, even when the horse is worthless, exemplifies the profound connection between a cowboy and his horse.

### Resilience and Endurance

Smoky's gradual recovery from a near-death state to full vitality demonstrates the theme of resilience and the will to live.

### Identity and Transformation

Smoky's journey from a broken, forgetful horse to one that remembers and reconnects with Clint highlights a transformation of identity.

## Character check-ins

### Smoky

Recovering from his ordeal, Smoky slowly regains health and spirit under Clint's care, eventually showing signs of remembering his old life.

### Clint

Devoted to nursing Smoky back to health, Clint patiently waits for the horse to remember him and is rewarded when Smoky finally nickers at his approach.

## Key lines

> The heart of Smoky had come to life again, and full size.

Smoky's spirit was fully revived.

_Clint's care and the familiar range restore Smoky's vitality._

> Somebody must of stretched that pony's heartstrings to the breaking point.

Someone must have severely damaged the horse's emotional capacity.

_Clint reflects on Smoky's past trauma and its effect on his memory._

> I wonder if he ever will.

Clint doubts whether Smoky will ever remember him.

_Clint's uncertainty about the horse's memory after watching him leave with the herd._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/chapters/xiv-dark-clouds-then-tall-grass
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/smoky_the_cowhorse_se/chapters