Throes

This world is a ball – give it to me 

or take it from me (if you can). 

Quick, quicker, quickest,

all the parts of speech apply. 

Words within words: cardi, cardiac. 

Plurals: arrow, arrows. 

Compounds: daredevil, fortuneteller.  

Multiple meanings do not earn multiple credits.

Diagonal, horizontal, vertical, every which way.

When a small individual is attacked by someone

larger, take risks and use discretion.

Play the cards you’ve been dealt:

force, prudence, chagrin, abandon.

The right hand grasps the lapel,

left hand under the elbow, eyes

behind (refer to step by step

instructions in chapter five). 

Stand and fight – stance is key –

diligent sisters back to back

like shooting fish in a barrel.

_{Footnote: this poem was created using the Found texts constraint as the starting point. The found texts are Boggle, Loteria and ‘Week 5, IV Judo Throws’ pp. 52–53 in Step By Step Guide to the Martial Arts by Michael DiPasquale, Jr (1985).}