The Coach Poem by Jan Struther

BODY and Heart, two horses driven in tandem,
Draw love's precarious coach. The driver, Mind,
Flicks his deft whip behind
And boasts, but for his skill, they'd run at random.

He cheats himself. They know that ardent high-road
Better than he: and, hoof once set on it,
They heed no rein or bit,
Swerve for no water's flash, stray for no by-road.

On this alone, on this alone turns safety:
Whether Heart's leader or wheeler. For Heart's a steed
That's bred and trained to lead;
He's steady and sure, he's quiet and sound and crafty.

But when lust leads, and liking runs behind him,
Brace your feet, passenger. That fool on the box
Is helpless. The coach rocks
And overtures, drawn by this perilous tandem.