Paper Horse Poem by Mary Angela Douglas

PAPER HORSE
there is one horse left at the castle.
it is made of silver paper.
it remembers the child who smoothed out its creases,
sometimes it has a longing for oranges
an amethyst bridle then it softly neighs.
it is my horse.
it is the only one left of its kind.
it understands my sunsets more than I could confide;
my sudden departures.
where could I lead it it would not willingly go.
blinder than snow.
soon we may leave the courtyard.
the fragrant gardens behind.
putting the paper horse through its paces
among sad galaxies.
otherwise, what would it do here, alone.
I'm the only one that can ride it.
mary angela douglas 6 may 2021