boxing shadows

in

A loss by total knockout,
since the knockout isn’t me.
Princesses don’t belong in cages 
with untamed beasts,
foaming at the mouth like me. 

Everyone agrees.

I have no crown,
I lost too much weight,
I punch low enough to disqualify myself. 

Grace isn’t granted to monsters
spitting venom at every turn. 
They’ll save her before me
because they know I never learn.

Self-loathing is my cellmate,
so leave me alone in this prison
boxing shadows of myself.