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July Challenge - Broken Horses

Their carousel has been pulled down -

Replaced by a roller-coaster -

The frame demolished, the steeds removed.

Children worry where they've gone...


The best of the horses have gone to dealers

A few to seedy old junk shops.

The broken ones were thrown on scrap-heaps -

To be incinerated,

Their day being done.


When night-time comes, acrid smoke

Swirls up and up, high above

Accompanied by some spectral 'Wurlitzer'

Playing waltzes and songs of love.


Suddenly, smoke is joined by lights

Circling like a glittering crown.

Then, below them, growing louder,

Neighing is heard along the ground.


An equestrian deity has claimed its own.

The carousel horses are galloping home -

Manes a-flying, heads held high -

Beyond the iridescent sky.

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4 Comments


Darrell Troon
Darrell Troon
Jul 11, 2023

sad tale, end of life for what was once a glorious sight I can. Imagine the acrid smell of the pyre

well done .


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Alison Blevins
Alison Blevins
Jul 08, 2023

Well done John there are some powerfully evocative images in this poem. I like the idea that those that went out to the scrap left in a blaze of glory, while those deemed more desirable are gathering dust.

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John Dallison
John Dallison
Jul 08, 2023
Replying to

😉 Thank you, Alison, for your perceptive comments.

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John Dallison
John Dallison
Jul 07, 2023

In the last verse, 'equestrian' should read 'equine'. - Blame it on PD!

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