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1            this then
2            is the arena
3            forevermore.
4            this then is the arena
5            where you must
6            succeed or fail.


7            you have had some
8            success here
9            but they expect more
10          than that
11          in this arena.


12          there have been defeats too,
13          befuddling defeats.
14          there is no mercy in this
15          arena,
16          there is only victory or
17          defeat,
18          something living or something
19          dead.


20          this arena
21          is neither just
22          nor good.
23          there is no permanent
24          escape from this
25          arena.


26          and each temporary escape
27          has a permanent price.


28          neither drink nor love
29          will
30          see you through.


31          in this arena
32          now
33          stretching your arms
34          looking out the window
35          watching cats and leaves and shadows
36          thinking of vanished women and old automobiles
37          while biggest cat runs up and down your rug.


38          you can only sing popular melodies
39          in the last of your mind.