Boxer
jabbing at the meat of the poem
with flabby fingers
the knockdowns occur
three per round
as the words lean against the ropes
standing-eight counts
of syllables legendary
in the bard’s mind
while the corner is screaming
at him to drop the pen
and throw in the towel.
9/17/25
good evening dearest Jacob love the metaphor employed now south paw keep it up❤
Thank you for your kind comment, Crimsin.
j.
You use knowledge and skill every time, sir: combination metaphorical thus appropriately descriptive!
Thank you for your kind words, em.
hope you are having a good day.
j.
pugilism can be such a rewarding metaphor and you work this well. remember in one’s twenties crashing the typewriter until fingers bled?
Used to have an old Underwood….had to almost stand on the keys to get them to go down.
Thanks for your kind words, Ghosteen.
An interesting take on a writer’s struggle to create. Personally, I try to ignore the corner’s unhelpful screams. The “meat” of any poem or story is most important, and not everyone will manage to beat it into something worthy of sharing.
Thank you for the smile you gave me with your reply, Sam.
I am glad YOU can ignore them! Ha ha.
j.
Welcome to Stars Rite, Jacob🍷
As an “olde” karateka, your title naturally drew me into this one … and, one thing about your always stellar Free Verse, one never knows from what direction next the skilled metaphorical jabs, hooks, and knockouts’ll come, but we can rest assured, they will, and winners every time.
Diction, grammar, consonants, and vowels can certainly be worthy opponents for a struggling writer … who must keep alert to aggressive verbal vernacular to survive through bouts of defensive blocks. Sooo many times I’ve felt like throwing-in the towel — some’ve said i should’ve … LOL!
Alas, after so many years serving together on WC, it’s wonderful knowing you’re here, too … this site’s in for a real treat.
Hope your weekend’s filled with happy smiles! ⁓ Richard🖌
Richard,
Thank you for your colorful review…yes I keep jabbing at poetry hoping to write one knockout poem sometimes.
A constant 15 rounder.
I am enjoying this site so far, especially since so many of us from WC have migrated…feels like home.
j.