U- necked bald old terrapin
skinny year – sick – slow
peering up –
winter’s sack  heavy on your back 

you’re a blind thing
toothless gums and cats’ paws
knead / knead / knead 

but whether or not
weather-weary sun 
lifts one eyelid
next
will surely come 
arm and arm with
chance

such relaxed unsuspecting fellows
shove bottom to assist my  mount
slap horse on rump
off I go / bouncing
possibly noticing
hope become swift
dare risen

Poem by Jo Mariner, Photograph Wikimedia commons