The Man in the Arena Poem

I have a small poster of the quote from Teddy Roosevelt about the man in the arena in my hallway. This poem was partly inspired by it.

The Man in the Arena

 

One.

Where am I?

What happened?

 

Two.

I see the canvas.

The lights turn on.

 

Three.

Hands to the mat.

Blood.

 

Four.

Get up!

Someone shouts, “Stay down!”

 

Five.

There’s noise-

Shouting and cheering.

 

Six.

On my hands and knees,

I look at the ground.

 

Seven.

I tell myself, “Get up!”

And stand.