Universal Species

Why else would one guess
those mounts have stood aloof
to sweaty trudge, thorn-thirsty climb,
muscular strain; test of endurance
and grit, all these eons?
Escape is universal desire.

Still the puny humans prefer
a savior (the whiter the steed
and sunnier the cloud effect
the better); wielding sword,
playing shield from beasts who see
and scent you as no more than meat.