Tension

They call it quiver because an archer is supposed to hesitate
before he shoots. Arrows, fresh or trusted, are works of art,
crafted, and exist in their own right. You, too,
exist in your own right, and are scared before you shoot.
We all are. 

They call it quiver because an archer reaches down and
the arrow shakes. Even with grave practice, and the steadiest
of hands, the arrow will shake for its life sake. You, too,
can’t help but twitch, as the mercury-taste fills your throat and
you swallow.

They call it quiver because that’s what it is. The tension between
before and now, after, what have we done? The hand feeds you,
holds the apples, but can also make you starve. And you, too,
feel the strain, of pulling back, as you draw the bow, and
take your aim.