Painful, Beautiful Tradition
Fast, Powerful, Intelligent, Brave
Daring, Graceful, Fearless, Brave
They faced off today
and it didn't take long for the man to thrust
the varas, the banderillas
for the blood to spill
and my heart cried out for him.
They stood still, facing each other
their eyes locked
fear and fearlessness mixed
entwined, danced among the crowd
as anticipation starts up the mournful piece.
The silence broke as he charged toward the man
the horn hit home
easily piercing through fabric, skin, and bone
he was thrown to the side
and my heart cried out for him.
Pain is no match for determination
and the fighters fought on
both pierced and bleeding
fierce and magnificent
equal in every way.
the sword was driven
he was carried off the dirt
he received the fatal blow
and my heart cried out for them.
I thought it went against everything I believe in,
the torture, the pain
I believed unnecessary
yet my heart cried out for them.
It was not a fair fight
yet they were equals till the end
both terrified but brave
injured but fighting
mutual respect
beauty in understanding the perfect balance
and my heart cried out for them
for their pain and tradition
in sympathy and respect
for their fear and bravery
for their honor and integrity
my heart cried out for them.