The Leg

This left leg—
ankle, misshapen
from injury at 14,
and likewise its
length— almost
an inch shorter, with
blue veins to mark
time spent upright,
walks taken,
work done,
is not beautiful.
It doesn't
spring proudly
from Summer shorts-
tanned, muscular & long,
nor is it
fashionable,
tapering neatly in
tight black jeans to
shapely foot below,
but it’s a sincere leg,
does as it should
and only complains
occasionally.