john parish
boxers
Like boxers Find nobility in violence And no ability to see sense Like boxers Blinkered and bare breasted pugilism How we all try to keep the fighter within Like boxers  Looked for safety in a clinch And they were bruised but unflinching Like boxers Sweet anticipation of the landing of the first blow And 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 and counting Like boxers