Bitter Mirth

It echoes in my ears,
the bitter mirth of Failure,
sinister and hissing in
pleasure at my defeat.

Like a prize fighter beat
to the mat, I struggle to
regain my footing,
but the bell has already rung,
the final round is over.

I gave it my all,
laid my heart on the ropes
hoping for fame,
wanting the trophy.
All I got was beat down.

Now there's just the hollow
sound of an empty ring.

And memories of the loss.

Reviews

[Mark]

To follow the metaphor a step further (and hopefully to answer the question of another reviewer), I saw "Failure" as perhaps the ringman of your opponent, ever standing just outside your reach, ever sneeringly, tauntingly laughing at your pain and frustration. For that reason, I think, "...the bitter mirth of Failure..." was my favorite line, as it so cogently describes a pain I have known too often, and too recently.

[Jibey]

Good use of the boxing metaphor to get across the notion of being beaten down... The writing unfolds in a reflective manner... with its nostalgic ending. Nice writing

[Tim]

Wonderful metaphor in this one. It makes me wonder if there's really a failure going on and what it is. I would hope not. I like the way you mentioned "Now there's just the hollow sound of an empty ring, and the memories of the loss. I can associate this with someone who's had a fight with their spouse and the stress that follows. Great poem.

[Sweet_pale_cacophony]

I like your writing style a lot,it is simple,not seeking to feign,and just as it should be.I have a doubt here about bitter mirth..doesn't mirth mean..laughter,gaiety and merriment?,then how could it go with bitter.It is a genuine query from my side,i hope i am not offending you in any way here,cause even i am learning new words and perhaps i am not reading correctly into your write.So i have that one suggestion,other than that.. i love the phrase,
Now there's just the hollow
sound of an empty ring.

And memories of the loss..i like how you have written memories of a loss after some distance from the prior line.I hope the theme is fictional my dear friend,for if it is not,just know defeat is transient..you will have a greater victory than you have planned..:)

[.]

A bitter mood indeed in this piece-but
this is a Great Poem!!!

"Now there's just the hollow
sound of an empty ring.

And memories of the loss."

Awesome write!!!:-)

james:-)