The Horses Came

Galloping they did
Into my room last night
Staying with me
Holding
Listening
Consoling
My lips not moving
But the equine understanding
Choking on the butterscotch candy
Being bullied at school
The football quarterback I assured
My parents of his honorable intentions
Until he took the lamb away
Sitting in the empty theatre
You know I'm gay right?
Sure thing
No hesitation
He was murdered
In Lansing, Iowa
The same town my father grew up
In that trailer
Dirt poor
Just like Joey
And Megan
And their mom who was bludgeoned
To death
Silent screams
From the park
Last breath
Trotting beside me
As the kaleidoscope of banshees exited
They're really gone
Fading out for good
Hoping they don't return
It's our one year anniversary my love
Feeling feverish still
Rosemary and Thyme
All that is left
From not so long ago
Fragrant and pure
My little pet
Do not be afraid
The past behind us
I love you.