novices up close
leaning, reaching
slapping babyface backs
crowd heaves, jumps cheers
then sinks deep
in beer can jeers
quick rib poke: "what's a monk doing here?"
"whatcha bringing kids here for?"
whisky bottle clings
down the dirty seat rows
the tired monk
shrugs off his robes
slides through the ropes
to his corner
OOOOOH, the Tired Monk is feeling feisty and missing the ring! I so so love this! Must be spring!
ReplyDeleteOh, Tired Monk, I have been in that corner! I loved the images that arrived. There is always a battle around every corner. Tired Monk knows this~
ReplyDelete((( )))
ReplyDeletemy daughter just competed at an area track competition. i watched all of the kids, the lengthening kids, the kids nervous/proud/hopeful/indifferent and i cried when they ran fullout. trying. trying. here they all were trying, lengthening their spirits and hoping and working and trying. it is a beautiful thing to see the spirit married to the body like this. i see you shrug and my heart is full of love, i see you understanding, and here i go again - crying.
xo
erin
whisky bottle clings
ReplyDeletedown the dirty seat rows
These lines make the whole piece for me.
I see it. I hear it.
All.
Old Ollie,
ReplyDeleteThe tired monk always finds himself in a corner. Sorting out another life battle!
Eileen
love it, feel like i'm there feeling it. whoosh!
ReplyDeleteStill loving it, Ollie. A rich read.
ReplyDeleteThere's a time to put up a fight and a time to hang up the gloves.
ReplyDeleteGreat piece.
This is excellent ... and pleasurable to read. You have conjured up many quick, come to mind scenes here. I felt as though I was "Ringside."
ReplyDeleteThe tired monk must indeed be tired.
ReplyDeleteGood one, Ollie.
ReplyDeletePamela
I didn't see that coming - nice! Shatter those expectations!
ReplyDeleteI bet that other guy doesn't know about your hay maker!
ReplyDeleteThe monk had me fooled on this one...clever twist at the end. By the way...your words painted a very vivid picture of the setting. Vb
ReplyDeleteExcellemt Monk. I'm there too - soaking in the atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteAnna :o]
The atmosphere is quality here - the monk is a quality idea
ReplyDeletesmart thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSo much wonderful imagery! Keep fighting the good fight. :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is my favorite of all your poems.
ReplyDelete"crowd heaves, jumps cheers
then sinks deep
in beer can jeers"
Love that line! It's so expressive.
I've been surfing online more than 3 hours as of late, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It's beautiful worth
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