The angel says stop
and the devil says go.

The angel grabs my hand,
but the devil slapped her
and said: No!

The angel says: Don't do this!
as her wings spread out,
she was to smart to not
give up now.

The devil looked upon my face,
that wry smile seems out of place.
Suddenly, the devil grabbed me
and took me away.

As the angel said:
So,that's how you want to play.
The angel flew faster than a
lightning bolt soaring through the clouds.
I start to remember that the angel
promised me to never let me go
until now.

The devil still held on to me.
Why wouldn't she let me down?
She was still smiling, while I frown.

I start to see the angel now,
as she turned around and drop
me into the center of the ground.

They stare at each other
like ferocious stray dogs.
Then the devil looked
straight at me and said:
This won't take long.

The battle begins,
as the devil held onto
her breath and let out
a deadly scream.

The angel blocked her ears
and closed her eyes.
Once she opened them
there was a beam of light.
The angel's powers pierced
the devils side.

The devil fell and died.

I thanked the angel that
she saved my life.
The angel said:

*As long as
you live through Christ,
my child you will be alright.

I Wish
I Wish I may
I wish I might
I wish upon every candle stick tonight.
I wish I was happy,
I wish I was bright,
I wish I was normal,
I wish I could put up this fight.
I wish I was able to have my mother hold me tight.
I wish I may
I wish I might
I wish to much in this fight.

Often, it has been said that I am prone to over emphasize.
Today, they will not hurt me with such childish criticism, the importance of today they shall not minimize.

On this day, awhile ago.
The universe was randomly kind.
It wasn't until sometime later that I realized the enormity of how though.
Maybe the stars were aligned.

The fact that she cares.
Unconditionally so, while everyone else looks for an easy way out.
Splitting hairs.
Sam is there, ringside.
During each bout.
My goal isn't to win. I just want to make this woman glow with pride.

Don't fashion me into someone who needs saving
I'm not a princess,
I'm a fighter.

You're a fighter my darling, you've been through so much.
More than once you have escaped the devil's clutch.
Remember my darling when your sad and blue, even the worm turned into the butterfly and from the ground it flew.
Be aware my darling of how much you can do with simply your words as they can heal too.
You're amazing my darling, life can be tough. Just remember with that pretty mind of yours, you are enough.

I'm a fighter by my trade
a bed of pain you will be laid
my referee has made the call
this fight won't bother me at all
I crick my my neck

Who are you to not be afraid of me?
If I were you I would be
seen some fights more than a few
My gloves are laced and ready
my hands at side are steady
as sweat drips past my brow

Who are you do not know my strength?
I'll kick that feeling
break that ceiling
I am unstoppable

You can make me sick
you can make me cry
keep me guessing
and wondering why
I might give you a little sigh
as I hear them calling

I'll punch you back
knock you out
change my gear
of fear and doubt
I know it'll be alright

My gloves are tightened
my eyes are brightened
footsteps lightened
you don't stand a chance

Better you stay down
then go another round
I'm a fighter
I overcome
this battle has been won
I'm ready

two hits from me
the stars you'll see
me hitting you
you hitting the ground
that will be the only sound
and I am unfraid

you might try and you will fail
I'll take the wind out of your sails
Drop you like a bad habit

I'm a fighter so you know
you'll go down when toe to toe
I can take you with one blow
with the other hand tied behind my back

I'm a fighter
step in this ring
On count when that bell sings
your no match for hands my of steel
I am a fighter
soon you'll feel
the pounding of my fists

Stay down don't get up
My fists held tight against deaths cup
A fighter I was made
a fighter my Father's trade
he's in my corner

I ain't no dope
your pushed back on the ropes
you hit below the belt
I barely even felt
the sting

Step inside this ring
I'm a fighter
an out boxer
step in...or step off.

Cherie Nolan © 2016

Dead inside.
The eyes have gone dull.
The touch has gone cold.
The water of the sea streams down the face.
The wailing grows louder, yet no one hears.

Dead inside.
The flame has gone out.
The light has been vanquished.
The music within the soul is now silent.
The joyful dance of the smile is still.

Dead inside.
Only the shadow keeps company.
It presses down.
Have not the strength to lift it anymore.
Muscles fail from weakness.

Dead inside.

The ten count is over
He's down for the count
The Greatest is gone from this world

But, we will remember
He will stay here forever
As we think of the quips that he hurled

As fast as his fists flew
His lip was much faster
He rhymed with the greatest of ease

Parkinson's slowed him
But, we will remember
The Greatest of All...ALI

Known by the masses
After his time in the ring
He was an angel sent to this earth

He had his convictions
Became a man of the people
He showed what a real life was worth

A true gentle giant
With the speed of a mongoose
The Louisville Lip...that was he

We all know his trademark
How he floated and stung
The Greatest...Muhammad Ali