The Fighter

Bloody knuckles wrapped in a thick gauze

Lips swollen beyond use

Blood and spit dripping down his chin

Eyes doused in sweat

Skin tinted red with blood

A slight twitch of the mouth

That must be some kind grin

After all,

He did win, didn't he?

He wipes the blood from his knuckles

Pointless to try now

The blood of the victor

Never washes off of bone

After all you've done

It's a miracle there are bones left at all

They put his hand high above his head

And parade him across the ring

One last time

Before he collapses

In the hospital, the smile remains

Must've made a killing this round

Another name to the list

Kid's got a future

Couple of fractured ribs

Jaw wired shut

Cuts stitched back up

Busted nose

A shattered collarbone

Nothing slows a real pro

Kid's got some talent

A small operation

Nothin' major

Just patch him up

Be just as good as new

He rides a gurney like a chariot

Wild flames leaping in his eyes

His smile never fades

Even after the needle

Little pain only makes you stronger

What did I tell you?

Kid's a natural.

A slight complication

Doc says it's worse than they thought

A lot of running

More meds

More nurses

More time

Just a little more time

The room falls silent

A few final efforts

Nothing more they can do

Complications they say

They tried everything

I'm so sorry...

It's over.

Such a shame.

Kid could have gone places.