sagittarius

when time lavas the lungs
and you’ve begun to tack yourself
         like a hollywood voodoo doll
to your own promises

remember that you are an archer

you know how to get a wish
where it’s going      by aiming above
the gravity of a situation
let your arrow follow the path
         of the panicked cat’s back

when classmates or colleagues gobble at you
         in iron and mistletoe
until the red light between your brain
and your eyes begins to blink

remember that you are a centaur

you’ll never fit in with the bipeds
except those who’ve read their history
flaunt your naked torso      pat
         your own rump
and if you hear hissing      hoof it