The Ungrateful Joint

The sidewalk was flat.

Just cracked concrete, nothing to catch it.

Then a sound like bone on bone,

a sickening pop.

It buckled. Just folded.

Felt like a bag of marbles

dumped on the concrete.

A betrayal from the inside out.

This joint, supposed to carry me,

decided today was a good day

to remind me I’m not so solid,

not so steady.

It won’t quit.

This ache, this lurch.

Every step is a negotiation

with a traitor.