Dust off your hands.
Take quick stock
of your condition.
Any injuries
that need immediate attention?
Any broken bones,
or open wounds?
No. Just a few bruises
and an injured ego.
Looking up,
you know
no one’s around to see,
but that doesn’t make it hurt
any less.
Coming off
is just part
of learning how to ride.
After your consciousness returns
and you can hear your own
ragged breathing.
Staring up
at the gymnasium lights,
as you begin
to realize what happened.
Laughter from the spectators
and your corner right beside you.
Cheers as you find your feet,
but you know.
The reality begins to set in
as you walk off the mat.
You start to feel
the weight of failure,
the cost to be paid
for being the man in the arena.
Battles are fought
and won and lost
everywhere, everyday.
But those who rise above
are those who return to try again.
Get back on the horse
that you fell off.
Back on the mats
that put you down.
Back to the chance
of pain and humiliation,
but knowing this time
you are better trained,
better prepared
and ready
to go again.
DJR – 2023
