The Púca, sometimes spelled “Pooka” or “Phouka”, is a Celtic faerie shape-changer. His true home is in the water. On land he appears as an eagle, a goat, a man, or more commonly as a beautiful black horse with fiery eyes. He is said to waylay unwary humans, toss them onto his back, and take them for a wild cross-country ride. Those who survive this experience will return forever changed. The Aughisky, a fiercer form of the Irish water-horse, will kill and devour his rider on returning to his home pond. In some regions the Púca is revered for his wisdom and ability to foretell events. Shakespeare’s Puck probably owes his name and somewhat of his character to the Púca. He can also be found in the fine fantasy literature of R.A MacAvoy and C.H. Cherryh, as well as appearing in the movie, “Harvey” as a six foot rabbit. I originally envisioned this piece as an Aughisky, a dark allegory for forces that can overcome a person and carry them to destruction. As I worked he emerged with more positive possibilities. He acquired some of the character of those horses who stand with their young humans on the perilous threshold of adulthood and help them make that leap with confidence and joy; a bridge as well as a peril. My young model also added an entirely different energy. Far from being overwhelmed, this young lady is on top of the situation. Her balance may be precarious, and she has no idea or control of what will happen next; but as the Púca leaps into his pond she has a firm grip on his mane and her eyes wide open.