Boxing

Howard, the strangest things
 have happened lately when I
 take a good swing
 and all my dreams
 they pivot and slip.
 I drop my fists
 and they're back, laughing.
 Howard, my intentions
 become not to lose what I've won.
 Ambition has given way
 to desperation and I,
 I've lost the fight from my eyes.
 Boxing's been good to me, Howard.
 Now I'm told,
 "You're growing old."
 The whole time we knew
 a couple of years I'd be through.
 Has boxing been good to you?
 Howard, now I confess
 I'm scared and lonely and tired.
 Everyone says I'm made of clay,
 that I've had my day,
 that I'm not cut out for this.
 I just know what to say.
 And I say,
 boxing's been good to me, Howard.
 Now I'm told,
 "You're growing old."
 The whole time we knew
 a couple of years I'd be through.
 Has boxing been good to you?
 Well, sometimes I punch myself
 hard as I can.
 Yelling, "nobody cares!"
 hoping someone will tell me how wrong I am,
 Howard.
 Boxing's been good to me, Howard.
 Now I'm told,
 "You're growing old."
 The whole time we knew
 a couple of years I'd be through.
 Has boxing been good,
 has boxing been good,
 has boxing been good?