Sultana

On that dim September’s eve
Brittle leaves froze
Scratching eggshell sleeves
Cotton candy mind grew scared took flight
Landing on black mare
She’ll ride bareback tonight

Chocolate-covered fingers touch tight coiled hair
Worn bodice starched, straight-laced, pulled tight
Sticky white pearls choke throat of fear
Once again Sultan’s dusty appaloosa looms near

Beyond scorched fields
Meandering dreams seamless yet fallow
An oak leaf floats
Though Salt Creek looks too shallow
Blood red poppies illuminate her path
Pray this encounter be the last