Gladiator. NaPoWriMo 3 25

He entered the arena early
For the first engagement of the day,
Mentally prepared for success.
Studying the scene, puzzling;
Certain equipment was unavailable,
Or in adequate at the least.

Assured by his handlers that
All was well; just routine.
He proceeded to prepare his weapons
Skillful, with precision--

The battle engaged, he was on the defensive
from the first parry.  None-the-less,
He held the upper hand, precariously;
fainting, dodging, thrusting,
disaster at bay.

The deficit noticed early
Came to bear near the
conclusion of the battle-- the winner
left the arena the loser.