Adrian Matejka, Poet Laureate of the state of Indiana, 2018 to 2019. He recites "Rememory," a poem from his volume "The Big Smoke," 2013. On the projection screen behind Mr. Matejka is a video clip of a Jack Johnson versus Tommy Burns boxing match. The fighters jab at the air, not getting too close, tentatively moving back and forth, step after step.
The bell rings, signaling the end of the round, and the fighters retreat to their respective corners. Their cornermen wave sheets at them, cooling their bodies.
The next round begins, and they hurl jabs toward their respective opponent.
The fighters each take tentative steps, forward and then backward, jabbing and defending. They clinch, and the referee pulls them apart.
With the briefest of pauses, they recommence their measured battle.