phantom pain

from my sketchbook, 'Phantom Pain' © Lois Blackburn 2010. (Of course the Phantom Pain in question would be felt in the missing leg, not as illustrated here- in the existing leg!)

Gammy Leg

started out cellulitis

like a rash creams and lotions managed

but you know how it goes

down the leg

on the foot

then they wanted to meet

can’t remember Christmas

my leg

could sit here and cry for eternity

wouldn’t put my leg back

occasionally I forget

roundabouts

going longer between spaces

I have phantom pains

like an itch a weird sensation

I want to scratch my foot

the foot’s not there

try to master mind over matter

can’t scratch phantom pains

sometimes it works

sometimes I still forget

Anonymous 8th July 2009