Crowning the forehead, a triple-crested sunburst
spreads from the face, deflecting each impact.
Black streaks—like skid marks on concrete—
scar the once-white surface.
Rust creeps along the stainless steel cage,
moisture settling into each abrasion.
Left of center, a dent: an impact
it almost failed to hold back. Almost.
The last of the black lettering: I-T-E,
its origin scraped away. Five black straps–
frayed, taped, stretched thin–
hold it on, well enough.