Kid Lucifer

You gave me a hell of a choice —
take a dive before the little one
you’d just dreamed up
or take the bigger plunge
out of the ring for good. 
I took the second option,
figuring pride would give me better wings,
and I’ve always been one
for the grand gesture. 

In the long years since
I’ve had no regrets.
I watch the little man
and my feathers
just won’t stay still. 

If I had agreed
to bow to him,
I’d have forgotten
myself by now.  This way,
I am still a contender.
You rat bastard —  don’t forget:
I was the favorite
once,
and I have learned 
how to wait.