I am a poet.
I can hold two (or more) contradictions
in mind simultaneously.

Peace can be boring
until the cloud of war appears over the horizon,
when fear is confused with excitement.

Trust can last
beyond the first betrayal,
but less often the second.

I miss your embrace
but not the cold steel in my heart.

[267]

Marilee Mouser,  Here’s a haiku for you:

cold steel engenders

an insulating callous

to protect the heart

[268]