Fighting Spirit

 
“In the clearing stands a boxer
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him ‘til he cried out
In his anger and his shame…”

Can you recount the times you were knocked down?
Though you got up but were down again
But you had a fighting spirit
And you knew it wasn’t the end

How about when in your mind you said “next time
I’ll try harder and do my best”
You were up earlier than the others
You’d stand out above the rest

Do you remember all those struggles?
Known only to the common man
Sweltering summers and cold winters
With hurt feet and blistered hands

What about those sleepless nights?
Recall all the prayers that you said
You weren’t giving up this fight
As your pondered right by your bed

Now times are difficult but you’re older
With experience under your belt
But that old fighting spirit
Doesn’t care what hand your dealt

And if you’re standing there at the edge
Scream with all your might
Loud enough for the world to hear
I WILL NOT GIVE UP THIS FIGHT!

“…I am leaving, I am leaving
But the fighter still remains”