the punching bag

we jab and bob,
weave,
we shadow box,
beat the big bag
with all our strength.
hooks and crosses.
upper cuts.
leaning in,
with torso and legs.
we pound
at it. striking
with fists
wrapped in white tape.
we are at war
with this
thing, this lifeless
stuffed
leather bag,
all the while
cursing a fight
in the real world,
the one we can never win.