Tapping Out Poem by Ryan Lee Morris

I had to tap out, before I could tap in
I had to surrender, before I could win.
Fighting my opponents, I carried within
I had to end, before I could begin.
The fight began, with every slip.
Each time, the bottle tightened it's grip,
Choking me out, with every sip.
Who I was, it started to strip.
Down for the count, but I keep getting up.
The bell rings, I fill up my cup.
Taking one shot after another, round after round
I'm a heavy weight drinker, pound for pound.
After each bout, going into remission,
During every match, I fight til submission.
So many shots, I'm out to lunch,
Til the bottle delivers, it's knock out punch.
Down for the count, I'm down and out,
Until I am ready for another bout.
Slower and weaker after every fight.
Shot after shot, til it turns out my lights.
I keep training to win, but I'm winning to lose.
I'm lost and I'm empty, I'm dazed and confused.
I'm completely defeated, I have to surrender,
In this sport, I have realized, I'm not a contender.
The fight's no longer mine, I had to let go.
I had to retire, after that final blow.
I fought the good fight, and now I stand tall.
Helping up the next fighter, right after they fall.