Boxing Shadows

This was inspired by a young Marine who served two combat tours in Iraq I had the honor of meeting and becoming friends with just over a year ago.

Somewhere outside of Time

He stands alone

Somewhere within

The depths of his mind

Crouched in the boxer’s stance

 

Dancing in circles

He jabs he punches

Bobbing and weaving

Battling each murky foe

 

One by one

Each dark lurker

Comes forth

A left hook

An uppercut

 

On and on

He contends

For sanity

For his humanity

 

The smoke the flames

The screams of pain

Then the blow comes

Forcing him to his knees

 

Off balance

Straining to rise

Refusing to be overcome

Denying the horror

Onward he survives

 

 

Until the next round

 

 

 

“For all who have gone before and those yet to come.”

 

Reviews

[An Ordinary Woman]

Ohhhh, ShadowWolf.

This is exceptional writing. You've captured so very much here and it has impeccable imagery that leaves little doubt to the horror of it all. Actually, this is the second writing about a marine I've read this evening and I was in the process of writing about a marine that I had the privilege of knowing. Remarkable writing.

[[untitled]]

This is an especially moving and well done piece.

[Legion]

Bravo! Well penned. Great piece for Memorial Day coming up as well. If that marine read it, I hope it touched him like he touched you. Kudos.

[The Poor Man's Poet]

This is a poem that's well done. I like it
I was in the army but I didn't see any action.
I was in a few places that I can't talk about.
But I did know and feel the extreme stree that
comes with serving our country. I'm glad you had a chance
to meet real hero.

[Sam Freeland]

Whatever we say in praise of those who are trying to save our corner of the world
is well deserved. You have reminded us so well what we owe to them. Knowing how
to tell others is what all should learn to do. (your) Words have power and meaning and
express so well how we care.