Kings of the Twilight

I have a love and affinity for sports, but none greater than boxing. It is a test of will, spirit, and skill. In the end a piece of you i left in the ring. It is art in the canvas of blood and soul.

Kings of the Twilight

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."

Muhammad Ali

They were shaped from clay by the old Gods.

Mortal kin wrought from stone and blood

Sinew and bone the tools of their trade

Plied from the craft through years of labor.

Carved symmetry in peaked perfection

The grace in dance and will for action.

Machinations of flesh born to sport

Their leather covered fist do not soften blow

They danced within a square ring with

Each step and movement precise in calculation.

Within the ropes display artful strategy 

In a war of two indomitable souls

Man against man

Skill against skill

Opposing storms tepid in torrential rage

Dispersing anger through the pores of their skin

Bodies like coiled steel reactionary toward 

Opponents will; measured feints to cause distraction.

Their emotions quelled in the calm to better

Serve their purposeful endeavor.

No quarter is given but respect is earned

Taken piece by piece, strike for strike

They are living art bred to bleed for pain

Determinate in destructive ambition

Ambivalent toward their impassioned agony 

The strains of glory will them toward mortality

Much is asked of them yet little given in suffering.

Their wounds burdened for indifferent majesty.

The horde wails in ravenous ecstacy 

A rapturous scream defining their primal nature

Their demise is met by the roar of the crowd

One man's rise and another man's fall

I will weep for these kings of the twilight 

For they have given more then any man should. 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading this work. Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments down below.

Reviews

[Ookpik]

Hello Carlos,

This was quite a joy to read, and I appreciate your taking the time to share it.

Though I wasn't raised with boxing (my brother and I were both wrestlers, and the Olympics were often tuned to Canadian matches, in our household) I understand completely why you would present the subject in the way you have. There seems to be something almost encoded in some of us, and martial arts (in whatever form) seem to be somewhat of a key - unlocking a certain joy in ways that nothing else really can.

Though you may not be partial to it, there was an MMA fight that came especially to mind and I'd thought to leave a link for you here (not a virus, I promise).

It's a full fight (five, five minute rounds) so I'll leave a clip as well the full fight itself - though Holloway isn't Hispanic (he's Hawaiian, I think) he's a phenomenal striker and I thought you might enjoy the performance.

Nice work, and thank you again for sharing.

- Ook

5th round: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwKeJoB3z6o&ab_channel=Idyll

Full fight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P6PU6DBR_U&t=2464s&ab_channel=Champion%27s

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Ookpik, for your comment. Ah, MMA, the Gracie family, Nick and Nate Diaz, GSP, Frank Shamrock, Jon Jones, Fedor, Anthony Pettis, and the list goes on. There is a kinship to both sports and I admire a good MMA scrap. Much like boxing it requires peak physical condition with a strong mind, perfect balance and striking timing. Combat sports has really elevated its game the past 20 yrs. Both men and female MMA stars. GSP was a beast back in the day and could most definitely still compete now. There is an art and beauty to mix martial arts and is the reason why many older boxing fans have gravitated to the sport. To me combat sports as a whole has a legendary status among fans dating back to the history of man. The foundation of the Olympics were founded on such one on one sports. It's why this poem holds such a mystical first stanza. I wanted to elevate these sports to the realm of the gods. Because those who participate and achieve their greatness become in essence legend. Thank you for your thoughts and sharing the fight clips as well.

[Ookpik]

Haha, hey, I see you're familiar with all the mma legends : ) Nick Diaz is even coming out of retirement, so I hear, and is slotted to run it back with Robbie Lawlor for ufc 266.

Yes, GSP too is a bit of a legend and your pointing him out strokes me in my Canadian pride (right where the maple syrup sits). The same can be said for purist boxing, though - Ryan Garcia is a bit of a phenom right now, and I'm sure the south has it's fair share of absolute legends.

I agree, about the history well - pugilism, is the word I've heard used - and it's as old as time, I'd expect, or at the very least as old as we've been around.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, and once again for sharing.

-Ook

[Ookpik]

**Lawler** **about... the history as well**

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you my friend. Canada has her legends and they are to be admired and respected. Years ago I remember a Canadian power punching fighter named Matthew Hilton who was a junior middle weight champion. Canelo Alvarez reminded me of Hilton when he was still plying his craft at 154. Hilton was a power punching monster back in the day. Thank you again.

[Betty Hermelee]

I love how you make boxing into an art form. I am not a fan of this sport at all, just like I can't watch bloody movies; But you have taken this sport to an art form in your poetic words right down to the finish. A living art, bleeding for pain.They dance in almost perfect unison, showing us their primal nature.
After all they are humans, who strive to win. A masterful poem on a difficult subject.
Best always, B

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Betty for you thoughts on this piece. It is a very brutal sport there is no denying that. Many have died participating in this sport. But there is a beauty and enduring spirit to those who choose to be a part of boxing. It is a call to their own spirit in seeking an indomitable will and fortitude. To reach the peak of their physical ability and have it challenged by another. Not just in body but mind as well. In this sport two men enter a ring with subdued anger and emotion only to walk out in brotherhood and a mutual respect for each other. For in the end they share a bond of blood that could never be broken that they had shed for each other by one another's hand. It is a brutal sport but poetic as well. And I can totally sympathize with your aversion toward it because of its violent nature.Thank you again B for your kind thoughts on this work.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks C... for your remarks; you're right there is a bond formed in boxing that I overlooked, besides the will to win. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.. Best, B.

[Dave]

As a youngster, my grandfather introduced me to boxing. He uses to take me to Barney's Saloon on Pacific and Florida Avenue in Atlantic City and together we'd watch the Friday Night bouts. I was lucky, I actually got to meet Jersey Joe Walcot and Rocky Marciano. Getting older I more or less lost interest until Cassius Clay came along during the Olympics. I think I became a true fan when he switched to Ali. Without a doubt, he was the greatest.
Thank you for your read - Dave

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Dave. The love for the sport of boxing was the only common bond I shared with my father. I remember years ago having a discussion with an old love and she asking of me why I enjoyed such a violent sport. Then I began to explain the skill and strategic nuances she was blind to, as well as the art form. How one toils and works to achieve a physical perfection to only have it slowly brutalized and broken in a challenge of will. How each punch has its natural counter, and how the feet shuffle and dance with a grace of a dancer in perfect balance. How generated power doesn't come from the arms but the hips and legs in a perfect pivot of momentum, much like a baseball player's swing with a bat. But it's the ultimate test of will and fortitude. To be willing to walk into pure hell to test yourself against another who is willing to do the same. It is a metaphor for life at its harshest. Thank you my friend for sharing a bit of yourself and enjoyment for the sport of gladiators.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I had been a big boxing fan since I was a kid.

Followed Floyd Patterson, then Muhammed Ali...who I think is the greatest of all time for various reasons.
Once he left the sport, I pretty well lost interest. But I often go on you tube and watch videos of the old fighters...Williard, Dempsey, Johnson, Baer, Louis, Schmelling, Marciano and such.
Such warriors....I think one really underrated puncher was Jersey Joe Walcott....he was a dangerous boxer.
anyway....I really like the way you describe this in terms of the old spartans who battled.
j.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Ah you picked up on my metaphors. Ali was my personal hero Sugar Ray Robinson I personally contend the greatest of all time. Hammering Hank Armstrong very under appreciated and under rated. Joe Louis simply the Champ. Dempsey was a beast well before Tyson could barely come close to matching his ferocity. Marciano simply amazing and left everyone on the edge of their seat with his power. I love the sport of boxing it is the height of one on one competition. The Gods mold their souls from clay to battle before the fields of Elysium. Where only the greatest of heroes are accepted. The ring is their field. Ah I could wax poetic forever on this beautiful yet brutal sport. Thank you my friend for your thoughts.

[Neville]

Hand to hand combat has long been a spectator sport .. I note your introductory quote from the G.O.A.T who has long been one of my personal hero's and not just because of his prowess in the ring .. he was a poet too ya know ... of course you did ... Anyway, before I digress further .. todays offering made me think long and hard about martial arts and boxing in particular I guess because you describe it so exceptionally well and because of the side to it that is often forgotten about and or ignored ...................................................... ah saved by the bell, me breakfast has just arrived ......... have a great day Carlos .. N

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Neville we do indeed share a love for combat sports in general. I still remember my uncles and dad watching the thrilla in Manila. Both Ali and Frazier took one another to hell in that fight and were never quite the same after. The fights I love personally are Julio Cesar Chavez vs Meldrick Taylor 1 and Mike Tyson vs Buster Douglas. I was lucky to see both these incredible enduring battles on HBO the night they happened and they left an indelible mark on me forever. The blood and passion exhibited in those fights were awe inspiring. Hearns vs Hagler wasn't bad either for the utter ferocious life and death battle. So many classic wars I got to see. I wanted this poem to capture a taste of those fights and the sacrifice those warriors made to become legends. No words could ever compare to the pure beauty and enduring sacrifice of an unforgettable fight. Thank you again my friend for sharing your thoughts and this enjoyable jaunt down memory lane.

[tranquilspace]

NOT ONLY DID YOU DESCRIBE THE BLOWS THAT COMES FROM THE FISTS, YOU ALSO DESCRIBED THE POWER AND HOLD OF FEMALE BOXERS HAVE WHILE DESCRIBING THE SPORTS. A VERY WONDERFUL PIECE, VERY THOUGHTFUL OF YOU TO SHARE.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you, Tranquilspace, for the kind words. Women truly are as strong and dynamic athletes as men. I grew up very athletic participating in baseball, football, track, soccer, and dabbled on a few others. Time and time again female athletes to me have proven they are every bit as good as men. They show just as much dedication and skill, as well as preparation and mental acuity needed to be competitive. Testosterone gives us some advantage but nothing to compete to the pain threshold and endurance of a female. No one will ever convince me that a man can endure the same stress and pain level a female can during labor. That is just a super human ability innately attributed to women, which make them better. Thank you for your comment again.

[tranquilspace]

I'M NOT REALLY INTO SPORTS BUT I FEEL SPORTS WOMEN SHOULD BE CELEBRATED AND YOU DID JUST THAT, SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR DOING SO, BECAUSE NOT MANY MEN APRECIATE WOMEN IN THIS CATEGORY

[Chris Shaw]

I have to say that as someone who hates violence, I think very differently about boxing. I do love a good match and have been following this sport in the recent Olympics. Plus it reminds me of when we were kids and the whole family got up during the night to watch the 'big fights' on black and white TV. That takes me back. You pen a decent tribute to the sport here Carlos and the dedication of those that put all their efforts into achieving. Love your use of language and the visual content.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Chris. Culturally boxing is very big in the Hispanic community. Growing up my father and uncles would always huddle around the TV sets watching the great matches. Muhammad Ali was one of my very first heroes. It was probably one of the only true connections I had with my father. It truly is a brutal and violent sport, but there is a nuisance in its beauty as well. Within the depths of the sport there is a primal male sense and struggle to achieve the pinnacle of self empowerment. To survive through violent action and blood shedding. To reaffirm our manhood against others seeking the same and in shared sacrifice find it through each others hands. It is a strange rite of passage but we men can be complicated in that way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this work.

[Chris Shaw]

I am wondering dear Carlos what you think of women in the boxing ring?

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

I am a feminist and believe there isn't anything a women can't do that a man can. Plus women are capable of enduring much more pain then a man can. That's just a fact. If men were forced to give birth with the anatomy the have the human race would cease to exist because we ain't gonna do it. No way, no how. If women want to compete in boxing they have my full endorsement and admiration, equal to that of men. I had a cousin who would literally beat up boys in a fist fight. She was mean and I so respected her for the skill she possessed. I ran cross country in school growing up and my first girlfriend easily out distanced me when we went on runs together. And I was a good runner, so yeah I don't need to be convinced on what women can achieve. Girl power all the way.

[Chris Shaw]

Yay. I have been in awe of women boxers. Not sure I would fancy trying it myself, but full of admiration for those who want to try it. The UK did particularly well with our Welsh lady who struck gold in boxing and before her, our own Nicola Adams was an Olympic champ. True what you say about childbirth. That is painful, no getting away from that:)