This cruise we were promised
boxers: vascular and hungry
for victory. These boys would stop
at nothing, we were told.
The prize was
a golden belt
marked CHAMPION
in genuine rhinestones.
When we were awakened
and had drinks from a tray,
shuffled down staircases to the hold,
the newly installed boxing ring,
we paid attention to these boys
striding out as champions.
Someone ordered more drinks
while they hit each other
with twelve-ounce leather gloves
hard against their faces
while we cheered and cheered
A good representation of the sleazy world of professional boxing. Many layers of outrage expressed here. I’m with you on this one.
Great detail. No wonder I don’t like boxing.