Seahorse and His Boy

Here 'neath the opal blue
swims a horse of a golden hue
riding diamond studded waves
rushing forwards without delay,
never for a moment blinking
to clear its vision, never thinking
of the perils hidden in the beige
coming closer like a loose page.
Until at last the horse finds
water no more and for it pines
while withering helpless,
a last gasp brings dreams of a caress
in gentle and curious hands
and face freckled like the sands.
Bright eyes peering, from behind
unruly charcoal hair, for life's sign,
human ear to scaly chest
listening closely for a tiny breath.
Sadness and confusion soon cloud
the child's soul when no life can be found,
walking on thin legs he turns
back t'wards the opal blue unable to discern
the proper course of action
but with a hidden expectation
slowly lowers the small, cool body
into the waves cresting boldly.
With eagerly awaited bubbles
and a flash of scales that startles
the small mind leaning close
to watch as the tiny body flows
away into the open ocean,
but sadness sets in like an incurable potion
and dismayed tears begin
erasing his flowered grin.