Mathew Olzmann: My Invisible Horse and the Speed of Human Decency

"My Invisible Horse and the Speed of Human Decency" by Matthew Olzmann is a poignant and humor-filled meditation on societal expectations, personal longing, and the elusive nature of change. Beginning with the metaphor of a "grief wagon" without a horse, the speaker reflects on the futility of trying to move forward when essential elements are missing. Olzmann critiques societal complacency through vivid imagery, exploring a yearning for "a more tender world with less hatred strutting the streets" and grappling with skepticism from the "Office of Disappointment" and a "roundtable of my smartest friends," who argue that progress must not be rushed. The invisible horse becomes a powerful symbol of both personal hope and societal failure, underscoring the tension between aspiration and disillusionment. Matthew Olzmann, an accomplished poet and educator, served as a faculty member for Centrum's 2023 program, further solidifying his role as a mentor and inspiration in the literary community. This poem showcases his ability to blend humor, critique, and hope in ways that resonate deeply with readers and listeners.