Or

Or

How, oh how

many times have I said

surrender.

It's a big word 

and it takes and big mouth

cocky and brave

to say it.

Until the next round,

life serves up the punch,

ribs, eyes, and ears,

until something splits,

oozing clear liquid,

blood and then what,

resolve?

To go back in,

taking your chances,

going down for the count,

just throw in the towel,

walk away in the night,

admitting you're proud,

or surrender

with grace.