"Unicorn" by Erik Hunger

Unicorn

Walking through the city
darkness banished by neon and streetlights
a quiet journey through an artificial forest
of skyline-sculpting concrete, steel, and glass.
Eyes glazed, thoughts elsewhere
stopped and waiting on a walk-light
to cross the street.
From teh left there came a vision
prancing down teh center lane
made of magic, dreams, and moonlight
surmounted by a pale white horn.
I knew it could not have been real
not physically
it's presence more like love or hope
just known instead of seen or felt
even as it's hooves clop on wet asphalt
and the rich, full scent of equine magic fills my nose.
I may have some trace of creative whimsy
but I'm no oracle to see such fantastic sights
this figment is not solely of my imagination
there's far more here
more wonder and magic
than my simple dreams can account for alone.
As I watched in awe, it trotted on by
one wildly noble eye on me
acknowledged with the toss of a head
vibrant red mane rippling to the motion
a whicker voiced in fond recognition
that my mind painted in shades
of past remembrance and poignant loss.
Somewhere far back in my amazed mind
buried in some dank, dark cynical recess
lived the realization that this must soon end
and I knew I could not argue against this grim truth.
But such was the vitality of my vision
this living breathing mystic creature
that I knew not how it'd cease to be.
Was this illusion spun wholecloth
of enchantment and desire
of childhood daydreams too well remembered
and a wish, an insistence on more from life
a plea to trade wonder and amazement
and the joys of new discovery
for the too common drudgery of everyday living?
Or is this vision a shell
wrapped about some reality
the more mundane (but still wonderful)
sight of a horse winding it's way
down a city street?
I don't know yet
but the resolution approaches
please be patient a little longer
the end is in sight.

-Lanir