MONTHLY BLOG 181, A YEAR OF POEMS

/in , /by

If citing, please kindly acknowledge copyright © Penelope J. Corfield (2026)

Fig.1. Rudbeckia Birta –

flower commonly known as ‘Black-Eyed Susan’

1st January 2026: I’m now recovering from a spectacular black-eye, caused by falling down stairs at home, when hurrying and carrying a tray – so being unable to put my hands out to break fall. As I plummeted downwards, I felt a surge of extreme annoyance: annoyance at having to miss that evening’s party with friends; annoyance at putting everything on the tray at risk, including a smart china teapot (which broke, irretrievably); and, especially, acute annoyance at the vivid sensation of my own life and limbs being beyond my control.

Philosophy has since calmed me down. No bones broken (went next day into hospital for check). Many people have to put up with far worse injuries and illnesses. The fact that we missed one jolly neighbourhood Christmas party is a shame but really not the end of the world. And my partner Tony was very concerned to look after me and, when I suggested, amidst groans, that he should continue to the party without me, he refused very firmly.

Thereafter, having to rest and to take things easy over the festive period was quite calming and pleasant in its way. And I have resolved henceforth to watch my footing at all times – a wise decision, which will stand me in good stead for years to come.

My theme for this year’s BLOGs is Poetry. And there are lots of splendid and witty poems about feet.1 But nothing quite matched my personal experience. So here’s my own doggerel rhyme about falling and getting a black eye:

My dancing feet

They missed the beat;

I fell downstairs,

Spite all my cares.

 

I felt robust,

But got concussed.

My face went slack;

One eye turned black.

 

I felt a fool!

So my new rule:

On stairs or street,

Watch the damn feet!
 

ENDNOTES:

1 For a wonderful array of poems about human Feet, consult the Hello Poetry website: https://hellopoetry.com/tag/feet (viewed 31 Dec. 2025).

For further discussion, see

To read other discussion-points, please click here

To download Monthly Blog 181 please click here