ODE TO A KNEE © By Becky This tale is about a knee, no make that two! 'T’were nothing but trouble but what to do Needed them sorely, to walk, to get around Well, couldn't do that much I finally found I had to make a decision which way to go Into a chair or fight back I did not know Found which way to turn, went to the Doc Want no more pain, then went into hock Ten long years had fought the good fight The gruntin and groanin and what a sight Walking stiffed legged with help of a cane The awful pain almost drove me insane We decided to proceed with the right knee I made plans for tests and surgery for me I got stuck, blood so many times drawn That after awhile my veins were blown To see them coming needles at the ready Had to bite the bullet to hold real steady Finally told them who came for blood Do it right or your name could be mud Well, we finally got all the pre surg done I could really look forward to all the fun Am told, get the Hospital at the hour of six So we got there early at five, just for kicks Sat and read papers, twiddled our thumbs Started getting scared, fingers went numb The nurse finally called me back and said Take off all your clothes and get into bed It didn't take long, they'd just started a drip When they came for me and started our trip Down many a hall, lights they whizzed past They were really traveling, were going so fast Then my love kissed me at the final last door I hung on to his hand I wanted just one more With tears in my eyes I saw the door close My eyes stinging there was a clog in my nose Many people around me now things going fast Didn't have time to worry, how long will this last They did tell me I fussed while they sedated me I don't remember a thing, so how can that be I awoke screaming with such a pain in my leg It was so bad that I had wished I was dead I was told I had a low threshold for pain Told them they were nuts but in vain Finally the lady who had given me the gas Came and gave me something first class They never heard another peep out of me Cause, thank the lord I couldn't feel my knee A tube in my back I could pump away pain I was happy as lark I was then right as rain If I felt a twinge I would thumb the pump Right to the source the meds would jump The only thing wrong with the Epidural pump Was that the other leg was just like a big lump Couldn't feel that sucker couldn't move it none One day it fell off the bed, no one would come Though I called for help till I then lost hope Called my hubby, told him to bring me a rope He was intrigued but did as I asked him to do When he came by I then made me a lasso I caught that foot put it where I wanted it to be Corralled it ever so smooth you just had to see I'll make a cowgirl yet but don't see how I can rope a foot a lot better than a cow Finally left the hospital on Monday noon I was so glad to be home and then soon I realized my limitations almost at once I felt like a first class in the corner dunce I was afraid to move in case I might fall Got over that soon, in bed began to pall 'Twas amazing, for pain was not more In my new knee even though it was sore The wonder I felt when I'd move it about And in my heart I wanted to just shout I thanked the lord and the Doc profusely That is not something that I do usually I am now up on my feet and on the go You'd think I'd be happy, that's not so The other knee is now giving me hell Why just the other day I almost fell The pain in the other knee is so very bad It seem like thrice as any pain I've had So instead of waiting the usual year It's been decided the time is now near To go in and get rid of that nasty old knee Get me some relief, I'd just dance with glee If I could stand up and sashay around here And when it comes time I now have no fear Cause I have be through it and what's more I can't wait to go through that surgery door Cause when I come out my life will be better I'll once again be known as a real go getter It'll take a few weeks to get back on my feet And then the rehab it ain't going to be sweet But I won't feel though life is passing me by I'll be out in the midst of it spittin in it's eye So if any of you have the same problem as I Now don't put it off cause I could just cry Of the time that has been wasted in my past Putting up with pain, now I'll be free at last Belljoye July 16, 2000