A network of scars

make up who you are

deciphering this battle, that has you

round after round trying to expound

the nature of this wound

I watch the familiar constriction of

muscles strained to the point of snapping

bloodied and bludgeoned you keep getting up

an opponent relentless as you

formed by memories that strike

at moments when you have relaxed

enough to exhale

dark shadows are the demons

you have been sparring all along

you are the shadow boxer

your worst enemy yourself

but I’m in your corner where

I’ll always be, in case you

need me