Ready to Swing (sonnet)

The bell rings like an echo in my head.
I wipe the sweat and blood from off my face.
I'm down, I hear the count, but I'm not dead,
And I will not let this end in disgrace.
I muster up all the will I can find
To pull myself up on my knees and hands.
I scrape the corners of my weary mind
To summon an army from no man's land.
I lean on the ropes and pull myself up,
Willing my body to do as I ask.
The killer rounds have been many enough,
And I don't know if I'm up to the task.
I hold my head high, get ready to swing,
And pray they don't drag me out of this ring.