by Michelle Sinsky
horse poem
Please can I instruct you / can I show you how to lead me around the ring / like that / my body wants the edge of the stands / I want to be led / I want to be like paint / and never need anything / how could anything go wrong / you're a worrier / I will do the pulling / and you will do the pulling / and if you like / you can throw the saddle on / how everything sits like hurt / so I've become fond of it / the bit / my horse teeth / the spurs you're using / so lovingly / my sides / taught under your boot / a delayed give / they're a kick drum / the boards of the stable / diaphanous / but that's not the point / yes / this is the point / that's it / take the lead / wash the duty / out of you and me