The Shadow Boxer’s Split Decision

One of the neighbors
Usually sleeping
Glows through a window,

Bald head like the bright
Light bulb in his lamp,
Reflecting, reading

One of the big books
He claims that he keeps
For insomnia.

Overhead, the stars
And the galaxy,
And canyon night winds

Circle the courtyard.
You’re out and watching
As you do most nights,

Not reading, shadow
Boxing, reciting
And recomposing,

Years spent practicing
For us, your practice.
Meteor flashes.

No one else tonight.
Winning means no more
Than what you can mean.