She likes bent book spines and dog-eared pages
She likes pulled-out hair and holes in the wall
Queen of broken bones
Inflicted on herself and others
She challenges the bodybuilder next to her
For one arm wrestle
He hesitates
Small frame and tired eyes
He agrees with reluctance
At her pleas
Incessant pleas
They take their places
She tells him not to go easy
Deep breaths
Let it begin
Sweat streaming down flushed faces
Eyes meet
Lips biting
Wet palms
The arena breaks down
Still playing
Seasons come and go
Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer
Finally
Inch by inch
Breath by breath
She nearly gives up
Nearly stops the battle
"You'll never make it"
"Weakling"
But she wants to prove them wrong
Knuckles kiss solidity
She emerges
Victorious
A wreath of laurel placed on her head
The bodybuilder fades away
