first fisticuffs

first fisticuffs,
then the breaking of chairs
and bone
and glass.

all throughout, calm prevails,
as evidenced by braids
and his still groomed hair;
patterns, modern and age-old,
intricately woven by capable hands--

kept intact
while under the spell.

it is primordial after all;
combustion and blast
ignited by spark,
mothered by malevolence
or fear or doubt

or else, plain old druthers,
and grain-- when liquefied;

whether legitimate or otherwise--

somewhat recondite,
particularly,
well after the fact;

scorched enemies
and apparent brothers,
spurred on by genes
and departed fathers.