Fighting was a survival technique,

one must possess.

Unless you craved misery,

heartache or death.

Blood had to be shed,

to see another day.

Violence and fear,

was the only way.

If you wanted to succeed,

they would break you down.

Until you became just like,

everyone else around.

Change and indifference,

was never accepted.

You were beaten,

disregarded, rejected.

You had to be strong,

to see your way out.

Believe in yourself,

no room for doubt.

If you doubted for a second,

they could smell the fear.

Drag you back down to their level,

make you drown in your own tears.

That self belief,

is what it takes.

Don’t second guess yourself,

it will be a mistake.

Knock them out,

one at a time.

Showcase your strength,

the power of your mind.

Take the respect,

you have rightfully earned.

Then walk away and chalk it up,

as lessons learned.