i want to hold the horse's string cried the girl (three) stamping her foot told by adults she was much too young the black horse stood staring at the wall
it worries us you may get hurt the adults whispered - meaning to offer comfort to the little madam (not convinced) the black horse stood staring at the wall
i'm stronger than any old black horse the child shouted parading round the ring thinking she was the star turn at the circus the black horse stood staring at the wall
well i suppose.....take care ....ok the adults muttered full of apprehension the girl (three) poised - flexing her muscles the black horse stood staring at the wall
now take the lead and grip it tight they sighed fluttering hands like pigeons she scoffed at the soft instructions the black horse stood staring at the wall
it's easy-peasy lemon-cheesy she triumphed (but doing as they asked) the adults tried to swallow their fear the black horse stood staring at the wall
so off to the man in the moon the girl (three) laughed jerking the lead swelling to the size of a goddess the black horse reared like pegasus's colt
don't wait for me - i could be ages the girl (three) sang to the shrinking adults as the black horse leapt above the wall the flowering cherries and the church spire
when i'm a grown-up - then i'll come was the last the adults heard as the horse and the girl (three) changed into pinpoints and the world collapsed to its dull old self