Halt

Stop the action

Freeze frame

Put everything on pause

Unmask

Let the blade fall

Turn and catch your breath while

Someone who’s supposed to be in 

Charge attempts to

Parse the action

Map what the hell just

Happened here and

Make the call

Don’t look at me, I’m

As mystified as you...

As all who spectate in this 

Strange exchange

However, I suspect that

It may be some time before 

We’re placed back en garde

Laundry

With a bit of care and

Prompt attention maybe

I won’t stink

Working at the stains of

Messy practice

Blood and sweat

--A smear of chocolate--

Perhaps I can

Clean up my act

If nothing else a

Bracing rinse of vinegar

A good brisk wash

Will yield a clean white slate

Tempting me to

Try again