The sun beat down…




Down…





Down…


To the Arena!
My cousins called as we marched
Our heads held high
Slowly stepping down into the Coliseum of cement
Cheers of the relatives booming




Booming





Booming in my eardrums

We stood facing our Caesar, our cousin
Raising our padded swords above our heads,
Reciting the never forgotten quote:

To those who are about to die… We solute you!

After turning to my opponents,
And studying their features of excitement and fear
Bong…
The starting bell sounded



Gripping my PVC pipe hilt firmly,
Lifting my arms into fighting stance
Swipe! Slash!
Pulling back, taking up defense

Bam! Bam! Bam!
Again

And again
And again

Flip! Spin! Whirl!
Bang! Bash! Clash!
All of us in one fluid motion
Lung! Back step! Stab!

My last attempt to destroy my enemy went all wrong
As my arm reached around for his ribs… Wham!
I crumbled under the force of the blow to my gut
I was defeated….