Playground Brawl Poem by Maura Herboldsheimer

I'm forced to turn to your disdain
When I can't keep a beat.
It tries me so
A bitter foe
But I am yet as sweet.

I'm forced to bow my head in shame
When I can't reach your wants.
It kills the joy
Your grim employ
But I will yet triumph.

I'm forced to hide the smile inside
When ice beneath you breaks.
With eyes alight
At your hard plight
Sly smirks are mine to take.

I'm forced to show my kinder side
When all I do is seeth.
My loathing mixed
With your hard tricks
Makes 'nice' harder to breathe.

You're forced to turn to my refrain
When your life meets the streets
Progress is slow
Luck deals hard blows
White snow is once more sleet.

You're forced to bow low to my fame
Your loss is now my fun
In my employ
The word 'ahoy! '
Is not allowed to run.

You're forced to hide the pain inside
Guilt is now mine to make.
I've made this right
I've had my fight
No more I need to fake.

You're forced to show a compromise
Though I'm sure it's easy
This war is fixed
The fight was nixed
.............
Who else will spar with me?