What thoughts I havem you soon will see
Concerning you, and your poor knee.
The poor thing's tired, that is plain
Protesting, sad, and full of pain.
Consider all its work outstanding
In past times giving understanding
Supporting in foolish times or wise
Half of your weight, half of your sighs
Giving its all for half your jogging
Standing in service whilst you were snogging
Doing its best, or bent, or straight
To help you walk, or screw, or wait.
Now for all this, acknowledge well
Your knee has followed you through hell!
Thank it for service in bearing loads
In jungles, highways, hills and roads.
It has been valiant, do not doubt it--
Your understanding would fail, without it.
And on the ground, upon your face
Like some cheap substitute third base
You'd lie in endless apathy
Except for the works of your good knee.
Therefore be kind, kind words it tell
And it shall understand you well.
May it have healing, renovation,
Strength, support, and relaxation,
Until, itself well understood
It can return to doing good.


Alexandria Lyber Eri
Understanding Understanding Redux
Patella, Cartilege and Ligament, New Haven, 2007