The Bow, the String, the Archer

Imagine a bow, the force in the arrow
if the archer let go of what he holds
to his chin: that string which he draws
back with two fingers as if a horseman
or a charioteer controlling his horse,
or the relationship between the poet
and the syntax. To be a good archer
is all about the way you pluck it, the string
you hold, and how you release it: the twang
must drrr as you shiver: a long shaking,
all but strong. Also the eye is important:
For aim, of course: remember to squint.
There's a string, and there's an archer.
Together, you are the restrainer and
the releaser.


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Imagine a bow, the force in the arrow
if the bowman let go of what he holds
to his chin: that string which he draws
back with two fingers as if a horseman
or a charioteer controlling his horse,
or that relationship between the poet
and the syntax. How far the arrow
goes comes from how he plucks it,
the string he holds, and how he releases it:
the twang must drrr the way you shiver:
a long shaking, all but strong. If the arrow
is the force, the bow is the holder,
the archer the restrainer, the string
the releaser, when released.