A Heart is Just a Heart

by Amy Palmisano

A circulatory system of connective tissue

circulates the oxytocin

that drives our connection.

But is a heart just a heart?

It can bleed, breathe, stop, and start;

it may break and fall apart.

A cardiac myogenic organ

pumps blood to move my muscles

so that I can squeeze your hand.

But is a heart just a heart?

It beats faster and my breath is suspended.

It beats now although we have ended.

I suppose a heart is just a heart.

It continues to function

without obligation to another.

I seem to operate just fine;

the problem must be my brain:

memories of you cause disruption.