The Box Factory (with original art)

I once was apprenticed to a prizefighter.
My life – Demarcate, in a finite blur.
By a box of terms, I was obliged to serve,
inside a box, behind the curve,
in a corner marked by anger, a term of discord,
in a match of no match, and no record to record.
My contender was a boxer, containment, his art.
With the ring, I was boxed in by my counterpart.
–Attack was his defense, fisticuffs his sport.
To strike out at this contract binding,
could not weaken the agreement’s finding.
Nor could it lessen the quantity,
or length of time to disagree.
In an embroilment of pugilism,
bound by walls of altruism,
I was sequestered to remain
with no prize-fighting prize to gain.
With no desire for clenched fists
to box or cuff, but to desist.
To open the box, it takes an open hand
an open mind and a brave heart to stand
on two feet and walk out
before the final blow and life’s knockout.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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