The Ring

Everything’s a fight with you.
Hello’s the codeword to
Enter the boxing ring each time.
Another round, another lie.
One last breath to breathe;
Another life to live.

I can feel the ropes against my back,
Your fists as they touch my face
Each finger sparking memories
Of how you used to touch me
Before the ring, ringing in my ears.
The mats as they break my fall
Knocking my breath from my lungs.

A rush of adrenaline, defiance,
As I say:
      Can
           You
                 Blame
                         Me
                              For
                                  Breathing?