Episode 121: The Boxer and the Alleycat

They are too old,Too old to fight,Too old to stir.But they were fighters once…He with fists that bruiseAnd her with sharp clawsAnd teeth that tear.You’d think they would have foundAnother room, another world, another lifeTo share.But they stayed insteadAnd fought it through.For the fightingest soulsAre steady.To a passion deep withinThat stays.That stays and fightsAnd Fights again.Not like those who fight to win.But like those who cannot leave the fight.Till they’ve discovered whatThe fighting’s for.And once they doThey fight some moreTill all the anger’s worn itself out.And like the coalsOf an old fireSmolder and warmAnd warm some more.Till smoldered outThey cuddle in for warmth.Two sweet old soulsWhose fight is throughThough lingering thereThe fight itself worn out to fightingIt sits alongside themOf a summer eveningJust the threeThe boxer, the alley cat and fight itselfAnd watch the sun set.She leans back against his shoulderAnd restsHer gray hairsAgainst his cardigan sweater.Their breath is slow nowAs is the case with old peopleAnd their knees too bentTo contemplate another riseAnd so they lingerAs does fight itselfOne tear slipping from his cold eyeAnd running down his charcoal grey cheeks.He sits along beside.For strange as it may be,Porch swings are made for three.But his tear is notFor battles lost.Nor for battles that could be.For he is also oldAnd weary of the strife.But caught by some strange affectionTo the twoWho would not accept defeatHe’s found in his old ageA refuge sweetIn the love of two old fightersThe ones he couldn’t beat.