ANNE'S NEW LEG 1959.
Posted: May 1st, 2017, 3:47 am
Anne sit still
so the leg
can be fitted
the nun said.
I sat still
as I could
on the chair
in the medical room
of the home.
The doctor
fitted the leg
to my stump.
I didn't like it
it looked ugly
I wanted
my old leg back
not this contraption.
There now
stand on it
the doctor said
pleased with himself.
I held onto
the chair back
and stood up
on the artificial leg
and moved it.
It feels like
a ton weight
I said.
You'll get used
to that
he said
walk around.
I walked
as best I could
it felt unusual
like I was carrying
a passenger.
What do you think?
the nun said.
I said nothing
and walked around
the room
both of them
watching me.
It was hard work
I had to remember
to lift the leg each time.
You've got the knack
the quack said.
No need for your
crutch any more
the nun said.
A stick maybe at first
the quack said
just to steady maybe.
I sighed
it will do I guess
I said
not as good
as my own fucking leg.
Language Anne
the nun said
pulling a face
of disapproval.
Walk slower at first
the quack said
ignoring my language.
I slowed down.
You will have to
make sure you
do not rub the stump
he said.
The nun stood there
gawking like a magpie.
I want to go outside
and try it
I said.
Be careful
the quack said.
The magpie
stared at me.
I walked out
of the medical room
and along the passage.
I walked past
other kids
who stared at me
and out through
the French window
out on the lawn.
Fucking
fresh air
I said.
The Kid
was standing
by the first table
how is it?
he said.
Feels odd
but at least
I can walk
without the fecking crutch
I said.
We walked
down the lawn
to our table
and I sat
in a white metal chair
and wished the fuck
the leg wasn't there.
so the leg
can be fitted
the nun said.
I sat still
as I could
on the chair
in the medical room
of the home.
The doctor
fitted the leg
to my stump.
I didn't like it
it looked ugly
I wanted
my old leg back
not this contraption.
There now
stand on it
the doctor said
pleased with himself.
I held onto
the chair back
and stood up
on the artificial leg
and moved it.
It feels like
a ton weight
I said.
You'll get used
to that
he said
walk around.
I walked
as best I could
it felt unusual
like I was carrying
a passenger.
What do you think?
the nun said.
I said nothing
and walked around
the room
both of them
watching me.
It was hard work
I had to remember
to lift the leg each time.
You've got the knack
the quack said.
No need for your
crutch any more
the nun said.
A stick maybe at first
the quack said
just to steady maybe.
I sighed
it will do I guess
I said
not as good
as my own fucking leg.
Language Anne
the nun said
pulling a face
of disapproval.
Walk slower at first
the quack said
ignoring my language.
I slowed down.
You will have to
make sure you
do not rub the stump
he said.
The nun stood there
gawking like a magpie.
I want to go outside
and try it
I said.
Be careful
the quack said.
The magpie
stared at me.
I walked out
of the medical room
and along the passage.
I walked past
other kids
who stared at me
and out through
the French window
out on the lawn.
Fucking
fresh air
I said.
The Kid
was standing
by the first table
how is it?
he said.
Feels odd
but at least
I can walk
without the fecking crutch
I said.
We walked
down the lawn
to our table
and I sat
in a white metal chair
and wished the fuck
the leg wasn't there.