Read the winning piece of our 2025 Nonfiction Contest “Through the Mirror” by Jessie Cato selected by Lucy Ives.

Read

Summer 1993 • Vol. XV No. 3 • Poetry |

The Fighter

1.

It’s the thrill of moving
too fast to think. The body’s
sweet hunger drives you
like the sex you can’t resist.
You’re sixteen again, shaking off
reason; just the right word, a look,
and you throw it all away,
let go for the sheer give
of whatever’s under you. The whole world
accelerates. Even with your back to the wall

Already have an account? Log in

Join KR for even more to read.

Sign up for a free account and read any five pieces a month.
Sign Up and Read for Free



Or become a subscriber today and get complete, immediate access to our digital archives at every subscription level.

Read More

Upcoming
Workshops

Subscribe

Your free registration with The Kenyon Review includes access to exclusive content, early access to program registration, and more.

Donate

With your support, we’ll continue 
to cultivate talent and publish extraordinary literature from diverse voices around the world.