The Shadow Boxer.

He changed his mind like he changed his clothes for the day.
He changed his character like he changed the channel.
He changed his loves like he changed his mind.
But this time the change comes in the form of planting his feet.

This time he will set his stance and his feet wide
and his chin low.
He will continue to throw punches until the inside of his elbows hurt
from throwing so hard at nothing 
like a shadow boxer.

Even if it means he will lose it all.
Even if it means he will fail.
Even if he is shadow boxing in an empty gym
with no soundtrack...
It is better for him to fail and lose
at boxing shadows than to 
throw in the towel before the bell rings.

When the shadows outwit him,
When the shadows get the jump on him,
he will push up from the ground
And He will set his chin low.
And plant his feet wide again.

...and again...

On this he will build his empire.
Like a carpenter with no work and no wood.
He will gather anything he can 
and cast out the doubters and mockers
to make room for the ark.

With this he will stand and fight
that which is unseen.
Instead of the Rambo headband
He will tie a blindfold and fight like a Jedi.

For this he will defend
and lay down his life.
Willingly.

For this is the Redeemer,
And this is Love.


They will mock.
They will condemn.
They will undermine.

They will out step.
They will dodge and weave.

Some will forsake their own blessings
for self gratification.

But he will box shadows.
Even if the shadows are of himself.

The Eyes of Mathew.

I am Mathew now,
for I have seen the outside world 
without the hand of my mother.
I see differently now into the eyes of my father.
Like a hawk with new feathers, 
looking back at the nest after his first flight.
And he looks differently at me.

I know now what it means to be away 
from my home and my room and toys.
I know now what it means to yearn for home and family 
and to be too tired to play once I get there.
I know now what it means to look into the eyes 
of the energetic and the brokenhearted.
Like a pirate coming home from his first voyage.
Stronger, less timid but happy to see land.

My father can see the difference in my eyes.
He can see the hope
that maybe someday, 
I will be battle-ready.
and his throat closes
and his breath quickens
and his heart lightens.
He knows now, that someday, 
we can be battle weary,
together.