Wild Horseman

The fog roles in thick and vast,

Blanketing most of the meandering river.

The far bank is lost from view,

Concealing a sight that would make brave men shiver.

A hybrid from a forgotten past,

Approaching the river so furious and fast.

Could it be the sound of a horse?

Galloping without pause straight into the water.

Then swimming through the strong current –

And across the river. Is that someone’s daughter?

With long hair, fair skin, well of course!

Emerging through the fog is a girl, not a horse.

But now is seen a second head

Neanderthal face and eyes, threatening murder –

Slowly rising out the shallows

On the back of a steed as tall as a girder.

Feel your heart and legs filled with lead

Because where is its neck? There’s a torso instead.

It’s a beast straight out of legend

It’s a Centaur of old, a bold giant herder

Offspring of Sagittarius –

Of Nessus and Chiron, his lineage goes further.

A beast, a saint, how will it end?

A wonderer, a chief, he’s who you should send…