You, my toe, I have taken for granted
All these years until now
When I find you stubborn, joint-frozen,
Encrusted with stuff I cannot see.

You won't bend!
I can't ski.
I can't dance without pain.
My hikes are ordeals.
My shoes are no longer friendly.

But, there's a remedy!
The orthopedist and the physical therapist Guarantee it!
(Well, they've seen it work before) --
Just cut a little of the bone
Off the right, great toe,
Be disabled for two months,
Then --

I can take you, my toe, for granted again,
Just as I do my other toes, my liver and
My appendix (no, that's gone) --
I mean, my tonsils (no, again,
But you get the idea).

03/29/1995

Posted on 11/30/2001
Copyright © 2023 Ronald A Pavellas