I am all saliva and static
before the big race. I secretly want
to be the horse; the jaw
and the strange elemental eye.
The sun along my long muscles.
I will be good; I will be good.
I make the glorious mouth.
It is a heart-blossom red I choose.
I leave teeth marks.
When the tapes are up, I’m on the steel.
I hit my straps. The sun in my lungs.
I put my tail up and go.