Since the original posting of this poem, I’ve changed bows, and my accuracy has improved exponentially. I’m currently using a Bear compound bow adjusted to 50 lbs with sights. I still use the 40lb recurve from time to time, but I’ve come to prefer the compound… Progress?…

Archery

40lb recurve bow
4 strings
11 arrows each
44 pulls
sinews stretch
with each

knock arrow
bring loaded bow
down toward the
target and mind
become one
exhale with release

bolt bounces off
backstop… but close
try again and again
10 bolts in 10 inch
diameter cluster better
luck next string

William Tell?
ha ha; if so
then my son
is dead
missed the apple
pinned his head

all kidding aside
good exercise
hands and eyes
coordinate
an ancient art for
modern times

–LE