second place

does every horse
have to win
the race,
will his life
be diminished
without
the prize,
the garland
of roses draped
around his neck.
does he
have to cross
the finish line
first
in order to get
oats, and a warm
bath,
a brushing down,
or love?
is it enough
to have run,
and tried, to have
joy
in the gallop,
in the moment, in
the sweet
beauty of each
one's unique
and beautiful
stride.