Bloody Noses

My first bloody nose landed my butt on the concrete tears and shock

Pain and people deliver it?

My second bloody noses and I landed one back the punch to the jaw

I delivered it too and the jerk of reaction?

My third bloody nose and I stopped it first Push and shove and dig in and scrap and bob and weave and taunt

Cockiness as a dance.

One day I bloodied a nose and wasn't asked to stay.

Why did I swing?
Who am I again?

My fourth bloody nose and I got up to fight but I only stood up.

Accepted the warm wet iron on my teeth and mouth.

I know who I am.

My fifth bloody nose will come and I will sit calmly fold my hands on my stomach and ask... “Why are you hurting?”