The ringer

Am I brave and clear minded?
Or punch-drunk and flat footed
Crawling on the canvas
Senses shaken
Jaw numbed, nose thick with blood, cannot breath

Two opponents
Out of focus
Slip bob and weave
Anything to survive

Hit and hold make him suffer
Pulled apart, still in the fight
But feeling mauled

Ding–ding
End of the round
Feel spent
The ceiling spins

Gripping the ring apron
Outside the ropes
What waits?
This guys a ringer