Claudia Gary
The Body
It catches up—sore teeth,
cramped neck or growing belly—
demanding our attention
once and for all. Beneath
a well-established brain,
above submissive toes,
the rest of it rebels
at our neglect, to gain
maybe not sympathy
but serious concern—
whatever is required
for us to stop and see
its loyalty. A steed
deserving of a gallop,
water and oats, in want
of love, it must be freed.