desperate word duelling
a fight without aggression
desperation pervades
antagonism delayed

so beaten
beaten down
so beaten
only frown

ferocity tucked away
yet the beastly come to play
a beating reckoned
the pain provisioned

so beaten
beaten down
so beaten
beaten
beaten down

If I were beaten down one day, what would I do?
I would get angry and
defensive.
I would stand up and fight for myself.
Wouldn't I.

If I were beaten down one week, what would I do?
I would stand on trembling legs,
strong.
I would stand up for myself.
Wouldn't I?

If I were beaten down one month, what would I do?
I would pull myself upright,
wobbling.
But I would stand, for myself.
Wouldn't I?

If I were beaten down one year, what could I do?
I could stand, perhaps leaning against a wall,
wondering.
But I could still stand.
Couldn't I?

If I were beaten down for decades, what should I do?
I should stand or at least sit upright,
take a breath.
I should rest perhaps close my eyes.
Shouldn't I?

If I were beaten down for centuries, what could I do?