The Event

Today, I lose my left big toe,
Won't be there tomorrow, not no moe.
Doc says the bone is infected, gotta go,
For several days hence, have to stay low.

Melancholy is the emotion, time to think and ponder,
My brain is just fine, chasing rabbits as I wander.
A question going forward is the subject of balance,
Walking is pretty basic--Can I put on my pants?

Then, there is the whole subject of pain,
Not the emotional kind, like enduring 4 days of rain.
But the throbbing, relentless sense of dread,
Planning on pain pills to consume alongside my bread.

How all this is going to turn out, I don't know,
My daughter told me Michael Jordan lost a big toe.
Really?  Yes, as a boy, some sort of accident,
Well, he turned out to be an effective young gent.

I really shall not complain, God gave me a strong constitution,
This is another lesson to learn in life's institution.
A few days from now, I hope to be just fine,
Curious to see what can still get done with only 9.

Dave Hale  Ottawa, Ks.