Shadow Boxers in A Back Street

Scouse athletes spar on the unmade road

I walk along going to work,

on the ridge height of a western Cornish town.

I wonder what brought them so far south,

why they're training full pelt for urban armageddon

that won't reach them here.

The boxers humorously regard me as I pass,

an unguarded soft lad unready to compete

in any upcoming contest.