I see the horse in my dreams.
He is all white and as mighty as any warhorse.
And his eyes glow red with fire.


He snorts loudly and great clouds poor from his nostrils.
Towering above me he looks down with evil disposition.
Without a word he beckons me to ride.
The command is almost irresistible.


If I ride he will take me to places I've never seen.
With each ride it is harder to jump from his back.
He wants me to ride forever.


He  wouldn't tell me, but I know,
At the end of his ride is a grave.
He wants more from me than I can give.
The cost for a ride is too dear.


Every time I have to jump off I feel pain.
And deep in the back of my mind,
A little boy begins to cry.


A long soft sob that begins to whine, 
and grows to a steady wail.
Everything I look at reminds me of him.
I look at the boy, and tell him there's nothing I can do.


But there is, God help me, there is.
The pain is too much,
The time has come for me to hold the lost child.


To love him and try to smile.
As I turn my back to the horse.