take up arms

what a sad moment
when arms 
were not used as the fleshy embracing limbs
of our breathing bodies
but taking up arms to raise in fateful shootings
and unfortunate warfare

to take up arms

when did take up arms
mean shooting fighting and killing?
when will it just simply mean again
take up arms to wave at others in kindness
take fruits and babies up in arms
and rejoice in life and growth?
take up arms to embrace each other?
or take up each other's arms and 
dance in exuberant circles
and celebrate the pendulous freedom 
that these well evolved 
muscular offshoots
can 
swing 
us 
in?