I Broke My Leg Poem by M.J. Lemon
I Broke My Leg
I have no time to notice
what takes place around me
Distractions daily duties grab focus
away from who I am might be
I break my leg and the misery
means I must lie still do not move
as every simple motion spasm
cramp serves to reprove
listen listen listen
i go to pieces, Says the Tibia
i feel trapped, Says the Fibula
i cannot move, Says the Knee
there's no common ground, Says Achilles
i need air, Says the Ankle
step on it, Says the Foot
we love the outdoors, Say the Toes
i've got you covered, Says the Cast
we want to go places, Say the Crutches
have a seat, Says the Wheelchair
i'll be back, Says the Leg
Leg leg Leg
I will keep it together
A few people have asked about this poem, so I will just add a few remarks (some already made in reply to a fellow poet below) . As with all my work, it contains at least some biographical or autobiographical elements. This one relates to something that happened decades ago, and it is an event that serves up some memories...Also, there is no intention to minimize the seriousness of a major injury. Instead:
'I don't mean to even suggest the broken leg (parts) did any actual talking. The poem is about that strange dissociation that happens between the broken leg and the rest of you/one after the major pain subsides....at times it feels like the leg is a separate entity, a 'companion, ' and sometimes it feels like it isn't even there... maybe this is something you can only really or fully feel/see/understand if you have broken a leg.'
This is a real good poem. I remember the time of my own fractures, the sharp pain and the forced dependence on my wife for so many things. But looking back, we can always see it through different glasses : )
Thank you so very much, Aufie. Sorry to hear about your injuries. I hope all is well now. And indeed, time is a factor. I find, oddly, those experiences can even become the fuel for nostalgia.
A leg is a leg. Aright. But at times it is a talking assembly. Especially when it resents. Good imagination
And it really is an effectivve communicator when it needs reasembly. Thanks so much for reading, Kesav.
I have no time to notice what takes place around me Distractions daily duties grab focus away from who I am might be…This is the part of the poem that captures my attention…Even a broken leg is but a distraction! ?
The pain, at first, can be so severe that it is literally impossible to form a complete thought. I suppose that's true of any serious injury.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
5/15/2025 9:32:56 PM # 1.0.0
I just loved the conversation that occurs between the different parts of the leg bones- the tibia, fibula and Achilles. The amazing musculo-skeletal system of the body works accurately, if it is in perfect condition, but once an injury takes place, the pain is unbearable. Even if the conversation between the organs of the legs are imaginary, yet it reflects the coordination and an exemplary portrayal of a pain through science, philosophy and poetic beauty. Enjoyed it thoroughly!