Once there was speed
In legs and fists
Talk of a future
Greater things.
So many punches ago
Cuts and stitches
Swollen knuckles
Future wishes.
The carnival sideshow
Boxing booth
Last three rounds
In brutal truth
The young, the strong
Pride at stake
Pay their money
A name to make.
A body that winces
At each blow
Been there before
Headshots show
A slurred and mumbling
Tremored voice
At 50 years old
He has no choice.
Its eating money
A few beers to follow
Take the blows
And pain that hollows
How many more years
Of being able to take
Young mens fists
His brain to shake.