They waited restlessly, revving up for the race,

Stomping, stamping, snorting,

Massive beasts of beauty,

Strong as steel, and battle hardened,

Adrenaline intoxicating rider and steed,

Slick with sweat,

Shaking with excitement, or fear?

Rain relentlessly beating down, a disfigured path ahead,

Apollo not showing his face today,

But Poseidon’s beasts are ready,

The gates swing open,

The chains are broken,

A stampede storms ahead,

Sloshing and slipping in the mud,

Two working as one,

Jostling and bumping for position,

Pounding hooves and beating hearts,

Cutting through wind and rain.