One of my favorite projects I have been involved with as a poet was working with previous Poet Laureate of Indiana Joyce Brinkman at the National Art Museum of Sport. Several Indiana writers were brought in to look at the various art pieces and invited to submit ekphrastic (art from art) poems that could be displayed with the item that inspired it.
While only one per writer was actually used in the museum, I ended up writing several that went on to be published. This one was inspired by a painting by Tom Hill called “Ecce Homo,” portraying a dazed looking boxer and in his corner his coach shouting encouragement. Sadly, the museum is no longer around. Some pieces have been absorbed into the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, but I have been unable to locate a picture of this piece.
Nine rounds since he stepped
through the ropes, into the ring
Three rounds after it
almost ended on his knees
as he heard every other number
of the referee’s count
Two rounds since the cheers
grew muffled into the background
of an ear-blow from the challenger
And long after the crowd
faded from his view,
he stumbles toward his opponent
staring through puffed flesh,
through the punchy fog
that clouds his mind
Until he hears
a whisper from behind—
the voice of an angel—
still promising victory,
reminding him to move his feet,
admonishing him to
stay alert and
keep after the eye,
keep after his eye!
| Copyright © 2021 by Maik Strosahl Michael E. Strosahl has focused on poetry for over twenty years, during which time he served a term as President of the Poetry Society of Indiana. He relocated to Jefferson City, Missouri, in 2018 and currently co-hosts a writers group there. |
Some images resonate:
ReplyDeleteThree rounds after it
almost ended on his knees
as he heard every other number
of the referee’s count
Hearing every other number--yes, I could see he was out of it already, but still able to continue on.
Maik,
ReplyDeleteThis is a tremendous poem that well captures the essence of such a dire straits situation. Speaking as someone who boxed a few times, and at times not particularly well, I can say there is nothing bleaker than hearing the referee call for the fight to continue, and realizing your vision has not yet fully returned. It is very hard to hit what you can't see, and even harder to keep it from hitting you.
Thanks for the kind words. I hope to share more from this project soon.
ReplyDelete