Once upon a time there was a man
who talked to his horse in a way that sounded
like they were drunken old friends
trying to get home. There was a lot of pushing
and contradiction, though the horse never spoke.
Sometimes it would do as it was told
more out of coincidence
than obedience. Sometimes the man
would appear a bit harsh
but he did not use a whip or stick.
Stand still, he shouted,
and the horse kept walking.
So he said some insults until the horse did
what it was going to do anyway
then he gave it a carrot.