The Rocking Horse Competitor Poem by Raj Dronamraju

I am going to straighten you out
On the role competition plays from a very young age
All play is practice for survival

Push your brother from the nest
Watch his small, fragile body shatter on the ground
Take his helping of food and attention and barrel forward

Once change is finagled from a parent, put the coins into the slot and ride the rocking horse outside the grocery store
Ride outside and hold on and take no childish pleasure that does not serve a purpose

For sense here cannot be saved and it cannot be wasted, it must be applied
The dour diligence of natural selected novices
That's a quick, hard study, the curve was sharp like a blade

The kiddie ride lasts only for a few minutes
Lean forward as it vibrates from side to side
Flashing lights and music do not distract the young male animal