The word “poised” is deployed with remarkable versatility across literature, often encapsulating moments of balance, anticipation, or readiness. In certain narratives, it conveys physical stasis or the precise moment before an action—whether it is a spear suspended in mid-air as a hero prepares to strike ([1], [2], [3], [4]), a creature ready to lunge ([5], [6], [7]), or even a javelin flying through the air ([8], [9]). In other contexts the term signifies a figurative equilibrium: a mind delicately arranged to meet challenge ([10], [11]), or a character’s demeanor that remains undisturbed despite surrounding turbulence ([12], [13], [14]). Across these varied contexts, “poised” not only describes physical positioning but also evokes a tension-rich pause, inviting readers to hold their breath in anticipation of what happens next.