FROM A LOTTERY.

The ghost of a chance slipped
          out of the starting-gate
& jockeyed for point position
          on the first turn.
The expression of air was manifestly
          the labour of the minute.
Up & over became a rallying cry:
          fences more aquatic than demotic.
A hierarchy quickly established itself
          among the fallen:
horses for courses, boys to the bar.

Meanwhile, before this interval lapses,
          home stretches out before you
in temporal fugue & largo.

Time is a narrow
neck & neck a chronic
opening. Leather on hide makes speed:
          hooves in air make myths.
A ticket to ride becomes normative:
          rogue numbers make a killing.