Tuesday, September 28, 2010

the sound of a horse passing

the sound of a horse passing 

an elsewhere sound of night long past  
childhood night too bright and still to sleep 
itching, datura scented, open window awake  
with stiff bedsheets drawn tight over restless legs

a brace of angel's trumpets calling them hither  

hot green breath snorts over distant footfall 
the arabian prince and his queen approach 
bolt upright in bed, peering owl eyed 
curtain fingered lightly open, i wait

they pass unaware, me quieter than a bat click 
the mare leads, maiden tressed, head held low 
he follows, all quivering rump, fat belly and black eyed moon 
mare tail swish, straw broom on leather chair 

a low whiny at swinging hip, footfall breaking 
Atropos calls, ears prick and then they are gone 
thundering summer stubble clod, away, away, away 
towards the white moon skeletons on the salt pan 

the sound of a horse passing  

an elsewhere sound of night long past 
now in brick tin black tar, sheet tossed, inner city night 
hot green breath snorts over metallic footfall 
bolt upright in bed, peering owl eyed i wait

they pass unaware, me quieter than a bat click
the mare leads, all quivering rump, fat belly and black eyed moon
the dogs follow, one three legged, jinkering tree to tree 
mare tail swish, greatcoat on leather saddle 

a voice, head held low by maiden tressed neck, footfall breaking
Zeus calls, ears prick and then they are gone 
sparking the summer bluemetal tar, away, away, away 
towards the white moon skeletons on the river pan

a brace of angel's trumpets calling them yonder