Black Butterfly

There never was
anyone like Ali
between the ropes
or facing the public.

In the ring and out
we saw a man
float like a butterfly,
sting like a bee.

He was to boxing
what Astaire
was to dancing,
what Sinatra was
to singing.
A nonpareil.

But no one stopped
Fred from dancing
or Frank from singing
because of a war
Ali and many
never understood.

Donal Mahoney, nominated for Best of the Net and Pushcart prizes, Donal Mahoney has had poetry and fiction published in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Some of his work can be found by clicking here…