Danielle N. Calhoun

SHUT UP AND RIDE

clinging tight to her silver mane
face buried deep in her neck
no more tears for this fair maiden
unicorn neighs as she rises
her golden wings shimmer in the moonlight
her body white as snow glittering like the stars
she flies beyond the heavens
well beyond the stars
the moon quietly watching
as they go past
circling the globe
on hooves of fire
her prince long gone
her heart shattered no more
her hair is down flowing like the rays of the sun
as her gown flows its purple haze streaking the sky
she lets go and stretches out her arms
rainbows flow from her fingers
as she shouts to the heavens
shut up and ride
unicorn glides down
her hooves grazing the ground
she comes to a halt
they both breathe hard
feeling the freedom they needed for so long
she dismounts the fair steed
as it lowers its head
she gives it a kiss
and she holds her tight
they huddle on the ground
the grass their bed
the trees their guardians
for the unicorn and the maiden
as they sleep together once again

Author’s Note: For Col Jones, with thanks