2/30 What the Sick Said

What the Sick

The sick said

you invited me here

lay out a red carpet

tempted me into the ring

beckoned me like a lover

the way you opened your immune system

showed me you chin

dared me to punch

didn’t see the combination of

just the right amount of work

but not enough sleep

just the right amount of love

forgetting the power of adolescent cooties

like all that hugging wasn’t transferring

more than memories

didn’t see that counterpunch

never thought you would be on the ropes

forgot I was contender

but you gon learn today

because I didn’t forget to weigh in

stayed in my neutral corner

shadow boxed with silence

chilled ringside

waiting for the moment

I would deliver the first blow

deciding whether this be bare knuckle or gloved up

knowing I could predict each blow I would deliver

you would receive

You fall into rhythms like lullabies

I was going to put you down

Standing eight  count

saw the precise moment

I could deliver my cross

you and your loyalty to friends

you can’t do everything but you do

until I get my window

then you won't

I was called for holding

so you hit a grand slam

knew you didn't have a chance

baseball games have nothing

on a  pugilist like me

we danced you from class to class

and a show and a whatever

me light on feet bobbing and weaving

bees in a hive

My right hook nearly took you down

but you parried won that round

but you forgot about the southpaw in me

the jabs and uppercuts made me famous

tried to throw a sucker punch

something about a meeting and echinacea

I didn’t want a unanimous decision

didn’t want a TKO

I wanted a knock out

then you tag teamed Mr. Boston

said he was old school

said he has been taking out the sick for decades

said he is  smooth and whiskey eyed special  

but this wasn’t wrestling

I know how to take a punch

wasn’t ready for the match to change

didn’t see that take-down coming

didn’t think I could be thrown like that

had no moves for the half nelson

He sleeper hold put me under

pinned

that’s fine

this match is yours Theresa,

but I’ll rest up

because I know you won’t

overextending your occupational hazard

now that I know with you the tactics of defense change

due to what you need to get done

I’ll be working on my footwork

kidney punches and take-downs

you don’t know how to stay out of schools

you don’t know how to disappoint you friends

you don’t pay enough attention to recognize

when you running on empty

and I am always down for a rematch

ding!