A rhyming poem about fighting adversity.

The rugged combatants in boxing bouts
of old would toe the line at center ring
to start each new round amidst the fans’ shouts.
As a boy I learned this important thing --

life is a constant battle in which you
may be dealt many a hard blow, knocking
you to the ground. What you next choose to do,
as adversity stands over you mocking

and gloating, is the measure of your worth.
Do you wallow in despair? Quit the fight?
Does inner strength give your courage rebirth?
All too many will fail to do what’s right.

Some will turn to a life of drugs or drink.
Some seek solace in self-pity and whine
of their misfortune as lower they sink
and for their lost happiness now they pine.

In the game of life a hero who’s true
rises to his feet to again toe the line.
Despite all setbacks, if you will fight through
to persevere, your spirit will brightly shine.

Even battered and bruised by a life unkind,
you win if you always keep toeing the line.