I remember the sixth gradethat was the first time I grasped the reins of the metal horseI remember barrel racing at my friend's houseHer grandma thought that I could handle the beast I couldn't  The beast was stronger than me and pulled against its haltersIt was rigged from the startI was never meant to succeed  As the Metal beast's body overturned on meI felt the pain of betrayal It burned my thigh as it did to my mindI would never forget the lies the metal beast whispered in steam My hitched breathe whispers the same lies"You can't control me," the whispers recallMy knuckles turn white from the grip I have on the reinMy heart is racing like the purr of her throat I whip her and we take off I hear the galloping of her hooves on the domesticated soil of the roadShe keeps going but I want her to stopI need her to stop I pull on her restraints and she slides to a stopI dismount off of her and put my hands on my head This was the first time I had ever ridden since the accident I have to try again I remount her and whip her againIf I stop now I'll never be able to conquer the beast that once conquered me My hands grow loose around her restraints But I won't let her lead She pulls away from me but I tug back She slows down but I keep her fast I've done it I've mastered the metal beast of lies.