Fracture

FRACTURE

There was pain in fracture.
As bone separated from bone
severed in a jagged mid shaft line.
A new knee revealed.
My leg taking an unexpected
mid-shin left turn.

There was pain in healing.
The heavy plaster cast
rigid from ankle to crotch.
Collecting life’s grime unwashed on the outside.
Collecting skin, normally free to become dust,
waiting to be vacuumed or collect on knickknacks.
Now trapped in a thick moist layer
lining the bottom of my foot -a new sole.

There was pain in rehabilitation.
As my emaciated leg levitated by an unseen force.
Rising from the table the instant it was freed
from it’s long time plaster prison.
My leg felt awkwardly short without the cast.
My knee forgetting it was an articulation.

There is pain.
Forty years later.
On the coming rain.

— Bryan, Sep 01, 2008

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Western Mass, USA

Favorite Poets: Adelaide Crapsey, Basho, Issa, Buson, Shiki, HD

Critiques

Rett

17 years 9 months ago

Bryan

This is an excellent write. Although I have never broken a leg (knock on wooden head) I have broken my wrist and hand in several places so know what you were talking about there. I have had knee surgery requiring a cast (removable thankfully) and then shattered the kneecap on the same knee 2 weeks after recovery from the surgery(partial cast that time) Then cut off toes on the opposite foot a year later (not fun). Yeah, I can relate. My left leg never regained the girth and tone it once had and I can predict the weather changes also. My greatest moment in rehab was when I managed to jerk the sadistic (I thought) lady physical therapist off her stool and watched her plop butt first on the floor while I laughed. Ah well, we have our moments. Excellent write. Very descriptive and perceptive. Respectfully, Rett: "The only thing observable with the naked eye to exceed the speed of light is rumor" Unknown

Bryan

17 years 9 months ago

Thanks Rett

I still have all my toes but have done the knee surgery thing (total knee reconstruction in 1969-I was the third the first two were linemen in the NFL.) At the moment I am waiting to get old enough for a knee replacement. I look forward to walking again (at the present my knee is bone on bone and every step is an adventure.) Bryan

Rett

17 years 9 months ago

Ouch!

I feel for you sir. I really do. I dread that day for me. Good luck! Respectfully, Rett: "The only thing observable with the naked eye to exceed the speed of light is rumor" Unknown

Barbara Writes

17 years 7 months ago

Double ouch

I came back to reread this. Felt triple the pain this time. Nice good write

infinite_dwarf

17 years 9 months ago

Bryan

First, welcome to Neo! Second, I echo everyone's 'ouch' here. I've only broken my ankle, toe, and nose and they paled in comparison to this. Hope you are healed up right quick, and regain mobility. Thanks for the comments on my forum entry - that's how I linked to your profile. Again, welcome to the site. ~Jess ---------------------------------------------------- "I hope no one asks me to show them the ropes; I have no idea where they are. Maybe I can pull some strings and find out...." - George Carlin