The Champ

Here's a link to my you tube channel where I read my poetry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbj9bj58Txw

When does the
champ know that  
he doesn’t have  
It anymore?
Is it after that
first loss to a
bum he should  
have knocked out in
the second round?
Is it when his body
doesn't do what
his mind tells it
to do?  

His punches are
slow.
His legs are
weak.
He once was one
of the greatest.
Iron Mike, they
called him.

He loses to an
overhyped cute
boy with little skills,  
and blonde curls.
It was brutal to watch.

He was king of
the jungle in those
early Brooklyn days.
Old lions don’t just
wander off and die
alone.  
They get killed and
eaten by  
younger lions.

After this charade,
I hope the champ
hangs up his
gloves for good.

Author's Note

My book, Rise Up Collected Poems and Short Stories is available on booksie.com and Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems is on Amazon.com.

Reviews

[red93]

Come back Cassius Clay all is forgiven. Occasionally I feature excerpts from 'The Rumble in the Jungle' on my Facebook Page. Some of Ali's opponents may have gone down a little too easily over the years, but there was no doubting Big George Foreman's commitment. Excellent Work again Thomas ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, kind sir.

[Ern M. Yoshimoto]

it is firstly a very timely piece about our absurd internet culture. that whole fiasco was the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard, and i am a fan of the sport as well.
it is also a timeless piece about aging. that our youthful vigour is taken away from us and all that's left are memories. there's a tragic part of life, but it is as nature intends it and one ought to accept it graciously.
but you, Thomas, are still a champ, at least in my eyes. don't hang up the gloves yet, don't throw in the towel. i'm gonna cheer you on through your next fight.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, my friend. Much appreciated.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

He definitely was eaten by a younger lion...but he got what he needed...MONEY!

Very sad when champs don't know when to quit. One did...Marciano....retired undefeated.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Yes the rock quit when he was ahead.

[Neville]

Who didn't watch it .. and such a bloomin shame .. you got it spot on Thomas

[Thomas W Case]

Yes. Thank you, brother.

[Chris Shaw]

I watched the fight and worried all the way through it. Your poem tells the story. I guess Tyson made a lot of money. I hope it was his last fight. Too old for the ring.

[Thomas W Case]

I agree. Thank you, Chris.