Boxers

Like boxers
Find nobility in violence
& no ability to see sense
Like boxers
Blinkered & bare breasted pugilism
How we all try to keep the fighter within
Like boxers
Looked for safety in a clinch
& they were bruised but unflinching
Like boxers
Sweet anticipation of the landing of the first blow
& how much better is the devil you know
Like boxers
From tattered lip a little blood spurt
You always love the ones you hurt
Though they were hanging on the ropes
They weren’t about to give up hope
Like boxers
Falling & counting
Like boxers