Ode to a Fighting Bull

I tend to come across a bit old hat when writing poetry, so I thought i'd have a stab at an ode.

Hot air exudes the nostrils flared

while dust clouds rise from pawing hoof.

A tonne of wrath with man compared,

yet for greed and power he needs proof

that blood-spilled battle fuels his hate.

So cast mans riddled fear asunder,

let gunshot draw wide forth the gate

and wave the blood-stained sheet

of grey and red defeat,

quake fast the bait while legs drive thunder.

 

Oh, to dance with man is quick in pace,

great hide of inked black must twist

so quick to track the gallant face

of bait so nimble, so swift of wrist

that flicks and flits my shining target.

He is fox while bulk is hound,

his moon in constant orbit;

relentless storm of tempered hate

tears blind through heat and hollow sound

that shameless hysteria creates.

 

What fools of men would choose

to dance with death and pointed horn?

Such fools that rather lose

their breath than see their honour torn

from barely beating breast and limb;

from hollow crimson chest.

Burn bright the shallow eyes that brim

with tears of wasted life.

But ah! This is the lavish price

of man and beasts contest.

Author's Note

As it stands, this piece is incomplete. I just wanted to get it out there and gauge the response before I recite it at a reading next week, so all comments appreciated. There will probably be 1 - 2 stanzas added.

Reviews

[Rossen]

I enjoyed the way you handled this so far.. I see this going farther too.
Perhaps an emotional climax or sadness to be felt by the reader.
Your words are sure footed and carefully timed looking forward to see whats next...

Rossen

[Sami Khalil]

"Such fools that rather lose

their breath than see their honour torn

from barely beating breast and limb;

from hollow crimson chest.

Burn bright the shallow eyes that brim

with tears of wasted life."

A great poem...Thank you for sharing...:)..........................

[Patrick O'Neil]

Brilliantly written, realy great use of words and the tempo is perfect. Don't change anything. The finish strong and makes a full circle, I don't think you need to add any more. Great job.