Dora Robinson: The Last Match (Poetry)

Boxing is more art than craft.
The sweet science is about movement,
feet and hands choreographed.
A combatant's ballet contained by the ring.

In the dressing room, the fighter wraps his fists,
slips on his gloves, his high top shoes-
soles as worn out as a shopworn fighter.

His cut man hides a packet of fresh blades
and a jar of Vaseline in his pocket.
Next the corner stool is a bucket
with a sponge soaking in water.

He opts to wear his training robe.
Dry sweat stains and a rip down the back
exposes his back side. No need for the
fancy, he says. The sweet science don't care.

Thirteen times he answers the bell,
adapts his choreography, slips punches,
scores points but fails to hurt his opponent.

He comes out for round fourteen.
The sweet science remains on its
stool, leaves the boxer without art or craft.

His opponent pins him against the ropes.
A flurry of blows, like a roofers nail gun
attacks his midsection, snaps his head back
and sends him to the canvas.
Body motionless. Eyes unresponsive.
The sweet science still and quiet. 

Dora Robinson is a poet and a historical fiction writer. Her poetry is featured in the 2014 Texas Poetry Calendar. Her poem, Three Coyotes, co-won the Austin Poetry Society's Poetry on Wheels Contest and is currently displayed on Austin buses for their riders' enjoyment. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her partner Beverly Williams-Hawkins and is an active member of the Austin Poetry Society.