In way of beast and wager seen,
Promised futile, pocketed clean,
A contest shorn of winner due,
Trampled hearts on tides adieu.

Smitten 'gainst ye enemies sworn,
A footleap fantasy 'tis now born
Of carried stride this noble steed,
And across the line, a prisoner freed.

But two troubles--mixed and mighty--cling
To fabric chaste midst flowers spring
And garland mists as memory keeps...
Askance perchance--thy epic sleeps?

For a stunning triple looms driving hard
On way to surge a challenge marred
By war and fate from beyond the gloam.
Yet when all go awe, beast turns for home.

A stone of legend thus speaks to dreams
Sped on faith, and soaring, teams
With a maiden's wish, vestal'd true,
To a destined fate, freedom anew.