biting back the fear
cold as steel
like the bit between
the teeth of the night-mare
I take the reins and urge
forward
forward
trying to ride beyond
break free of the myriad shadows
of the past that stick
like thistledown
breath ripping free from the cavity of my chest
(we do this until you breathe)
and I taste the acrid bite of defeat
as my heart breaks
bleeds
and I long to wither
crumple
hide
but night-mare shakes her head
walks on
her spirit waging war
against my pain
while all within me
feels to scream
as we dance along the razor edge
between ecstasy and terror
it is too much
this soul-stripping
and I lean into her solid warmth
as she sighs
giving me peace
by: Kathryn McGinnis
