For centuries, you’ve remained unwavering, amid interstellar collisions of asteroids and planets. Like a glove accommodating a hand, spirits have oscillated in and out of forms. Despite past disregard and scorn, you’ve returned. This reappearance occurs alongside a commonplace residence in a roadside meadow. You saunter in, holding your head high in conceit, beckoning me. Your gaze signals that this is my final opportunity. What do you anticipate, approbation? This instant, there’s no avoiding you. I could feasibly mount your back and discover who successfully overpowers whom, or release my grip and observe where you lead me. ‘Horse’ is a composition from Mary O’Malley’s forthcoming anthology, ‘The Shark Nursery’ (Carcanet), due for release at Books Upstairs, located on D’Olier Street, Dublin on the coming Sunday, July 14th.