Fencing
by Margaret Ellis Hill
You tease, tempt love.
You are well prepared,
padded securely,
head covered.
Your foil tests
personal depth, virility,
goes from win to win
one medal at a time.
Strange, you find little satisfaction
after many bouts;
Padding becomes worn cover.
I hope you discover parries
may open to blood,
leave you short of death,
just once.