Hope Why did I give my hope free rein? I knew that I could ne'er ride safe Upon a dream, and yet I've none but me to blame. Unseated oft, I've still called back the beast; Stroked still the heaving warmth of flanks Which promised much yet, sweating, slipped me off. And expectation, which I trussed up with wish, Oft-times responded 'will ye, nill ye. Nay is all the answer to ambition's spur'. The horsebox of Pandora holds a cur. (The Anchor, Bankside, April 1997) Back to Poems lists . [Image]