one trick pony

a pony’s slick loins  
curve under the eye  
hooves lift lightly   
bending with grace  
walleyed he runs   
around and around  
waiting to perform  
mane lifted by running and indecision   
red brown in the sun 
crest bowed  
oh he is a beautiful creature  
glossy with the sweat of intention    
power gathers in his muscles  
and then   
he flies    
fanciful
exacting
exquisite

still  
he is only  
a one trick pony
not able even to bow

for Martha

last night I dreamed us

on the beach at Santa Cruz again    

the sun poked a hole in the clouds  

and burned dark 

one gull stood dazed

mouth open

unaware of us   

we waded in the cool water      

holding Simon and Chris under their baby arms   

they snatched their tiny feet from the waves   

and we all squealed

we were fresh and fair of face again   

our legs firm and long  

and we wore small round pins

  

on our Peter Pan collars