For Shaindel Beers
I wish to protect thee – in my fashion.
Drop everything, rush there, and shield you
From the world; from doubt; from yourself; dragons
Immortal; fears forever pursuing.
Training dictates action, see? My father;
Gary Cooper; John Wayne; the Infantry;
Always taught to defend the weak – rather
Smothering with attempts at chivalry.
‘Tis ever man’s hubris, I’ve learned: seeking
To support a survivor; these labors
Merely re-arranging deck chairs, sinking
Slowly into comments on the décor
While you heal;
for thou art no damsel
In distress, but a heart
indomitable.