black eyes, black threads, and bandages

"Cracked knuckles, and my fists
are bandaged up for the fight.
Am I ready?
There's the bell.
How many rounds can I go?
And how can I soften the blows?
Can I avoid them altogether?

But my heart isn't in this.
I'm supposed to be a seasoned fighter.
It feels like my first hit.
And it hurts like...
I didn't see this coming anyway.
yeah, it hurts like hell

So don't tell the crowd..."