Thomas Eakins, American
If the Champ Got Up Before the Bell, the Fight Would Continue. If Not, the World Would Have a New Captain Underpants, 1898
Oil on canvas
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/// Fights are useful for settling beefs.
Old-time pugilists shared those beliefs.
Many punches are thrown,
but one thing is unknown:
If they’re boxers, why do they wear briefs?
/// To be brief, when it comes to attire,
men in sports in the past would aspire
to a minimalist
look that didn’t persist.
They showed off what there was to admire.
/// The man down on one knee was named Jack.
He fell following Charley’s attack.
Ref is Taking the Count
as the crowd’s tensions mount.
Will Jack stand? Can he hit Charley back?
/// Eakins painted an actual fight.
Jack fell victim to Charley’s hard right.
Reenacting their bout,
Jack was down but not out.
“The sweet science” rewards the most might.
/// Primal power that’s packed in the fist
of a boxer cannot be dismissed.
Loser may need a nurse,
or ride off in a hearse.
If he’s fortunate, he’ll still exist.
/// If a fighter can take a hard punch,
he will likely absorb a whole bunch.
Flesh will swell and may bleed.
Risk concussion? Indeed.
But a jab to the ribs shouldn’t crunch.