foot in mouth

foot in mouth

Jake rushed in swinging
Ready for a fight
And though Jake was smaller
Jerome was surprised

He had little chance
To brace for the blows
Jaw knuckled up
Responses were slow

A look of dumb defense
Arrived in his eye
Jake fisted like hail
Bestowed his rage high

His arms stretched up heavenward
Longer than fear
Jerome lashed out blind
A strike caught an ear

He toppled like blocks
But Jake wasn't done yet
Declined the spare moment
Would not catch his breath

But, as the bloke fell
He lunged to the street
And tackled those ribs
He could not retreat

Till pride's debt was paid
No word of reproach
Was offered from we
Who hovered in close

When Jake did slow down
And sauntered away
Jerome's shame of face
Kept him where he lay

But when the crowd scattered
And returned to their ale
He wandered off humbled
The end of the tale.

(c) Tasha Chinnock 2006