I knew a girl who thought she was a horse The world could only tell her how crazy she was They rounded her up, they locked her in a stall They called themselves kind because they fed her everyday
She escaped from time to time and it was one of my jobs then To chase down the brave ones and put them back in It was something I did It earned me some cash and some scratches
But I saw her once, I saw her once, I saw her You can tie me up with labels Muzzle me with laughter But I swear to you I saw her
Someone had seen her near Columbia Park I held on to my walky-talky and hoofed it through the trees I was calling her name, my boss was in the van I was thinking about lunch
And then I saw it coming at me, and I turned, and I froze It was tossing its head and snorting It was running right toward me An appaloosa, white and brown
She trotted to a stop, I stepped in close so those strong legs couldn’t hurt me I pressed myself against her, my arm over her back I smelled her neck, she let me I knew her
“You’ve got to come back now,” I said without thinking “They’re waiting for you in the van.” She was suddenly that wild girl again Not even scared, just looking at me to see what would happen
We found the van and I told them she would not be riding with us They looked at me and rolled their eyes I said, “Let her run, it’ll be easier,” My boss said, “Whatever. I’ve got work to do at the office.”
So we slammed the door shut and I called for her to follow She ran like the wind, she smiled, she leapt She tore through the streets with pride and power I sat in the van in watched her
When we got back they took her to room They locked the door and fed her, she ate hungrily I went back to my cubicle And unwrapped some leftovers