1 July 1998
Shadow Boxing

Who am I fighting?
You used to know,
But I’m not sure that there’s anyone there.
Maybe it’s just me, on my own, again.

You threw the first punch
And then just walked away.
You left me fighting for answers
I know, you know, it’s not fair.

The fight’s not over.
You must know you haven’t won
Are you’re just going to be the loser,
Sitting in the stands,
Watching me fight the fight.
Our fight.

One quick jab and I was on the ropes
Just as you wanted, then you laid ‘em right in.
Once, twice, then once more, for effect.
I sunk to the floor
And you just walked out of the ring-
Does that make you proud?

When you look in the mirror do you see a fighter
Or is it a mere shadow of what you’d like to be?

You knew what you wanted, went in for the kill,
But I’m still alive and you have not yet succeeded.

You tried to wear me down
With that silent attack,
But I didn’t give up
-I won’t give up-
Until the fight is done.

Not a win, or a loss, but a draw.
Back on even terms.
Not exactly like it was before,
But instead put the gloves aside
Leave them in the ring
-The wrath of all the madness-
Will be laid down to rest.

Throwing punches left and right
I’m still in the ring.
You’re leaning on the ropes from the outside looking in
And even though your gloves are still on
I can see that your scared.
Just one look and I can still see through
To the very core of you.

I can read your mind.
I see how you planned your fight,
But you mapped it out backwards
And hate that I’m still here.

You could forget the fight,
Leave somewhere in between
And put aside the childish madness
Which has become your life.

-Lying on the canvas-
It was all just an act
That sympathy, you will not get from me.
You not out for the count
The count does not begin
Until you get up
And stop thinking I’ll let you win.

You can ignore me and
Pretend that you don’t see,
But I will not give up,
I won’t walk away
And I won’t stand back and watch you
Try to control the play.

Gloved hands, now by my side.
-I’d wait like this for you-
But would it be a waste of time,
Would you do that one thing for me,
Or are you going to sit there trapped
And just act like you are free?