In This Corner

Zonkers

In This Corner
-Tap {2016}

The first shot hit its mark
I’m bloody but unbowed
Brought to my knees
Breath pushed out of me
By a stone-like clenched fist

The stars gathered around my crown
By not to signify a champion
But another chump
Pretender, not contender
Just another lost cause

Before the ref could count to ten
I’m off the canvas
Staggered, but not knocked out
Mouth agape and gasping for air
My legs and head still in the ring

I shake my noggin clear
Beat my chest and resuscitate
My heart never stopped
Body hurting, but I’m still standing
In the opposite corner

My fans scream out my name
My trainer yells,” Get him!”
My mother covers her eyes
My opponent smiles confidently
My legs do not give out

A bell rings loudly
And the referee steps between us
My rival and I paused
Time has given me a reprieve
My body moves instinctively

There is a stool waiting
A water bottle and a bucket
A sympathetic corner-man
A needle and thread to stich
Three minutes to plan strategy

A beautiful girl holds a card
The number written on it unclear
The cheers and boos blend
My head still foggy in recovery
I pull my conscienceless back

“There’s still fight in the boy”
A cigar chomping announcer sings
Into a microphone
“Don’t count him out” he spits out
Half believing his own words

My prideful will can carry me
At least another round
My skill can add another
My resolve maybe two more
Is that enough to bring me back

The underdog hasn’t got a chance
He can’t stand the punishment
The first punch brought him to his knees
How can he stand the pummeling?
He’s finished before it even started

To hell with them
I ain’t gonna quite
No towel is gonna be thrown
I spit out the bloody mouthpiece
F@*k that, f@*k them

Maybe I’m too dumb to stop
Too foolish to realize
Another palooka with pipedreams
Another false contender
Another “what could have been”

This chance to grab the belt
This chance to dream of victory
To have my hand raised high
To have the cheers loudly praise
My name chanted in unison

Is it just a stupid dream?
The fool’s errand uncompleted
The disappointing promise
From a muscle-bound jerk
All bulls#%t and no delivery

No! No! No!
I refuse, I refuse!
To hell with all them
I know what I can do
I’m a champion, the one and only

Hit me again, you bastard!
Give me your best shot!
I want all you’ve got,
Because it will never be enough!
Not against a guy like me

This has only just begun
It ain’t over till I say so
Bring it on, come on!
Bring your weak game
I am ready to beat you

Let the punches fly
Let the people cheer us on
Let the blood flow in celebration
There can only one left standing
It will be me, it will be me!