Knucklesonnet

On the outsides of my folded fingers,
Opposite their tightly flattened creases,
Are four pairs and two thumbs' worth of dingers:
My knuckles—a total of ten pieces.

When straightened out, my fingers lose their lumps,
Which flatten into soft, segmented cakes
Of fleshy strips by threes and fours in clumps,
And each of them another knuckle makes.

When foes and I exchange enough's-enoughs,
These never shy away from fisticuffs;
All but the ones upon my thumbs can fight.

My life of bellicosity demands
Eight little warriors on my two hands
Who strike with all their itsy, bitsy might!




Copyright © 2006 Michaelanthony Mitchell