LIKE 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

"Boxers", en Once Upon a Little Time, John Parish, Thrill Jockey Records, 2005.