By Susan Kurien
These my knees had once buoyed me by
As I hopped and skipped and jumped
My pigtails flying like fairies high
My heart pounding like a percussion pulsed
The rope it swished under each feet with ease
Sometimes in pairs like bees in the breeze.
On these knees I had prayed for long
And felt the earth of the garden lawn
Shinnied up trees and scraped the rocks
Felt the dew of grassy bogs.
Now these knees can’t keep pace
or walk a furlong in grace
Tattered they are, torn and flayed.
All is not lost the doctor says-
A brand new one in titanium will stay
Under the knife I dare to lie
A week of darkness and dizzy pain
A few more days, my legs now straight
Baby steps I do take
My heart feels lighter as everything seems right
And tomorrow will bring in sunlight bright.
( I had undergone total knee replacement of both legs on 13.2.2025)