From my First Chapbook: Good Morning New Year

Notes on Title Fighting

(In memory of Ali)

in the middle of one serious challenge

to my pursuit of success as i follow my dreams

i finally stopped crying

i finally stopped complaining

i finally stopped sleeping

i finally stopped stressing

must change my pace in the ring

must step back lay on the ropes

and let opposition swing

let opposition swing

while i cover my head

let opposition swing

while i take blows to muscle

let opposition swing

while i deflect with strong arms

let opposition swing

while i stay on the ropes

and wait…

for my day, my hour, my minute, my moment, my round