Choose Your Weapon

Choose hand grenade
or horseshoe
if you want to speak
of love to
just anyone. 

If you want
to talk to me, though,
use the longbow;
practice a long time
before you draw;

I’m no broad target
to be bludgeoned
or shattered by
just any old effort
if you want me.

My heart’s small,
tough, and exacting.
Aim carefully and be sure
to still yourself.
You don’t want to shake

when you release
the arrow.  You don’t want
to miss, I don’t want you to miss,
and I don’t stand still for more
than a breath at a time.