my therapy horse

i like the idea

that people have therapy dogs,

and cats.

they take them

everywhere

they go

making them feel

safe and relaxed,

able to handle

stressful situations.

i see them

on a leash or in a crate

putting a smile

on people's faces.

i like the idea

so much that i get a small

pony,

that i start

to take with me whenever

i travel

or go into a restaurant

or store.

who doesn't like a pony?

i feel at ease as i stroke

it's soft mane

and tickle

a spot below her neck.

but

the size of the animal

can be an issue

at times,

especially on planes,

and especially

if i've fed her an enormous

amount of beans

and oats

before take off.