Knockout (poem)

Down for the count; lying on the floor
Bloodied and bruised beyond recognition
I try to ease myself to stand
Stand for your honor and might

The opponent stands before me
He’s come from nowhere and delivered the crushing blow
The one that leaves me in ruins
He doesn’t even want it as badly as I do

I glance upwards; the prize seeming further away
The count begins
1, 2, 3, 4
It’s right in my grasp; I can almost taste it
My eyes sting with pain
My body convulses with it

5, 6
Is it even worth fighting for
If I get it, will I truly be happy
The crowd yells for me
To stand; to protect; to fight

7,8,9

Somehow, I make it to my feet
The ref asks if I’m OK; if this is something I want to continue
But, at this point I’m not sure
Too much drama comes for this win
The opponent steps forward; seemingly bored
Cavalier; he’s already won
I have no fighting chance...

I step to him and nod
Then, turn away
I climb out of the box; I can’t do this anymore
I walk away; my head drooped in defeat
The crowd is left in confusion with every step I take in the opposite direction

I’m tired of fighting
I’m tired of reaching for the unattainable
He can have it all... it’s already been given to him
I turn around once more and look at the opponent
He nods silently
You can have it all
You’ve already taken it all

There’s a better fight for me out there...​