This Poem

by Carolyn Chilton Casas

I have lost control of this poem. The reins have fallen from my hands, the horse I am riding galloping toward a steep cliff.

I hang on to his mane, lean my bobbing head to his ear, softly whisper, Stay calm, we can do this together.

But the horse has other ideas. He’s frightened, determined to go his own way, wondering why I am still on his back.

At the precipice, his temperament settles, he slows, allows me to reach down to pick up the reins and turn him finally toward home.