Gather in the sleepy ponies
from the chill tundra
feed them.
They don't have to be real ponies
maybe they are
starlight and spiced rum.

Take your heart out
kiss its dark face.
Coddle yourself.
Exaggerate your own importance
until you laugh out loud.

Keep nudging your thoughts
one inch away from humdrum.

Be a blessing to stray cats
they don't have to be real cats
any velveteen caress
on two or four legs
will do.
















(C) Eric Ashford June 08