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Adrian Matejka, Poet Laureate of the state of Indiana, 2018 to 2019. He recites "Mouth Fighting," a poem from his volume "The Big Smoke," 2013.

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On the projection screen behind Mr. Matejka is a video clip of a boxing match between Jack Johnson and Tommy Burns. They spar, dip, and dodge back and forth. Burns throws punches in the air as they undergo their fighting dance across the ring.

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The referee separates the two fighters, and they recommence their tentative jabs. A bell rings, and they return to their respective corners, where they are tended to by handlers and assistants, who wave sheets at them so as to produce a cooling breeze. In but an instant, they fight the next round.

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The two competitors get in a clinch, and the referee pulls them apart. They punch and jab, and clinch again.