Can't build a bridge without breaking skin  

The walk from my mother's house  
took about two minutes        
i don't remember thinking much    
exept how unpoetic it all felt        
         
The sky was a mass of grey        
it nearly rained, nearly snowed        
and for a couple of seconds        
the sun nearly showed signs        
of a minor breakthrough        
         
I tapped on a window, took a step back        
and braced myself        
       
       
he was a bit more built          
than hoped for        
and his eyes hinted          
nothing of the twenty years      
we ran together      
        
first punch crunched my chin        
he spoke, then done it again      
then ear,  lip, head, chin      
hurt like fuck      
but the rules of this game      
is my guard down      
til the end        
       
[ grabbed his shoulders once        
to catch my breath]          
       
It stopped          
when he ran out punches, or air      
then his mother appeared        
and told me how much it hurt  
when I robbed her        
         
me, like a son -a brother          
         
I handed her a small sum      
walked back home      
head up, and a load off        
       
I'll knock again another time 



Graffiti by me and the gang 1988