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DEALING WITH ADDICTION |
If I'd known that this battle would be this dang tough,
I'd never stepped into the ring.
The challenger seemed like a friend, not a foe;
Its punch surely lacked speed or sting.
It didn't take long, in those earlier rounds,
to realize its goal and persistence
Were focused on taking me out of the fight,
and ready to go any distance.
At first I just stood there, flat footed, my guards down,
Taking it straight on the chin.
Getting knocked down. Getting back up,
to only be knocked down again.
Just when I thought I had caught second wind,
Began showing signs of true hopes,
Back in the corner, I'd find me again,
fighting my way off the ropes.
Wobbled and rubber legged. Battered and broken.
Subject to foul after foul.
I realized it then, that this fight was a fixed one.
I still didn't throw in the towel.
Flat on my back - the count five or six.
Gotta get back on my feet.
Gotta have courage - I gotta keep fighting.
I can't end this match in defeat.
Gotta get help now - whatever it takes;
I can't beat this thing on my own.
Can't lose my title to such an opponent;
Got to hold on to my throne.
Need to have God as my corner and cut man,
To close all my wounds - ease the fright.
For courage and wisdom, to keep me still standing,
To help me endure through this fight.
Some fans in the grandstands. Some friends in the front row.
I think I now have a good chance.
Got my guards up and my chin tucked in tight.
I got me a good solid stance.
I'm ready to slip any punches it throws.
I'm ready to punch and fight back.
I'm ready to shine. I'm sure I can beat this.
I'm down but prepared to come back.
This fight for my life - is one I can't lose.
We'll see, soon, what turnout it brings.
I'll pray for a victory. Hope for a knockout,
long 'fore the bell ever rings.