Hurting

But everyone disappears, no matter who loves them. — Dave Eggers

At 69 his body remembered
The punching
One one
Two one two
Three four
Five four three
One one
Over and again the key
Even with the thicker gloves
His knuckles throb
The heavy bag played its part
And the speed bag
His wrists and elbows needing unlocking
Having to be warmed with his morning coffee
The jump rope that jammed up his knees
Their click click clicking sound now
A clock ticking down to the bell

And with all of that
Remembering his in-house trainer
His father footwork dancer
Wonder man of the bob and weave
And their sparring that turned serious
The sweat burning his eyes
At 69 he signed on
Taking boxing lessons again
For seniors this time
Not hurting as much
As it did back then
But hardly helping either
To ease the pain