12 Rounds

I'm fighting
Dukes up,
protecting.
I have my okie-doke ready
I'm riding the ropes
prepared for the back and forth.
I'm shuffling
weaving left and right.
I'll show you my chin,
dare you to touch me,
catch me,
control the tempo.
You have thought about how you were going
to cross,
to jab,
to uppercut.
I let you do what you think you want.
I want you to wear yourself out,
chase me.
I'll slip your best shot.
And when I counter,
you'll go down.
Not because I'm better,
or stronger,
or faster.
I'm just more prepared.
While you were contemplating your moves,
I was reacting.