Cupid

by Columbine

forewarned
by the wee-hours whine of a mosquito
forearmed
finally, by experience
foresight may or may not soften the sting
or the unceremonious tearing when the arrow proves false
I can get Bacitracin and Band-Aids
I can make sure my work is caught up
I can even clock the approach of the stinking cherub
the Prince of Lies on pigeon wings
the champion of self-defeat
last time I fell this low
he smelled my tears and closed in
he is a child
and children do not know mercy
but you, who will be my co-target -
I will not drag you down with me.
This is my rebellion.
This is my backbone.
This is my knowledge that I am still capable of kindness
even when my only motivation is spite.

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