Analysis of Tug-o-War

I strain, my muscled body
holds strong against the onslaught.
Travail sinews block back, blind faith,
naught else do I possess, no secret or
fancy words.
My puissance remits, a sudden break against
my will, "hold back, hold back", I cry.
Resolutely my will arises, a new found
potency instils, backwards, backwards,
no quarter can now be given, yet none shall be asked.
This test has no limit, time must endure,
forward once more, "hold back, hold back"
the cry from within.
Extend once more, soul depth I seek, new might
for one last show.
All too late, wavering we topple, body upon body
vanquished yet gallant, another day beckons.
We shall remain stout-hearted as
another bout awaits.