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Missing the Mark
by Jason Vanderlaan

With sturdy bow
And arrow true,
My fingers caress feathers,
Saying their last goodbyes.

(Can you ever forgive me?
I longed to love you every day,
And failed as many times as not.)

With careful precision
And certain aim,
I draw back and release –
Fate takes over in flight.

(Intention is an unfaithful friend
When strength cannot match desire.)

No wind corrupts,
No force distracts –

Air is pierced
With perfect care;
My arrow strikes, dead
Center, bull’s-eye
(of the wrong target).

© 2008