love is a duel, he says.

stand before the mirror
Athena and Aphrodite vie, who shall prevail?
when Thoth confronts Isis and all hangs in the balance
victor, take charge.


love is a duel, he despairs

unrequited


love is a duel, he weeps.  

when a mother looks into the eyes of her child, knowing they have done unspeakable wrong- and yet she loves.
when an Israelite looks across the Jordan-  and loves.
when a widow finds joy in the arms of another, but touches her wedding ring- and loves.


love is a duel, he whispers.

as another daughter is torn
between family and physicality
between shame and instinct
what she knows she feels
and what her world will accept


love is a duel, he prays.

hand in hand,
against the blind sweep of circumstance and chance
can we survive?
with what bond do we face this merciless life?
and nothing to sustain us but love
is this right?
do you, too, lie awake at night
and wonder
did we chose well?


love is a duel, he accepts.

internal battles waged
fought with tears and anguish
faith and trust
against demons
past mistakes
future hopes


love is duel

he turns

paces

faces

shoots

a part of himself