The Alien in My Knee

I met a tiny alien who crashed into my knee.

He set up camp inside the joint, away from gravity.

He needed time to mend his damaged vessel and broken bones,

before embarking on the journey to safely bring him home.

*

I had no clue what happened; just know I felt the pains,

of crash and bang inside my knee with nuts and bolts and chains.

“What the heck is going on,” I wondered in my mind.

“Forgive me, I am truly sorry,” came a voice so meek and kind.

*

“I swear I mean no harm to you. For your pain, I apologize.

But I must mend and fix my ship before taking to the skies.

Please bear with me a little longer. I’ll be gentle as I can.

I’ll leave you then, in peace and calm when I complete my plan.”

*

I felt that I could trust him. His voice was soft and true.

It seemed also that he was scared and perhaps a little blue.

I thought that I should help him to try and fill his needs,

but how does one assist an alien living in their knee?

*

He thanked me for the offer, on me he could depend.

He assured me there was nothing to do but wait for his wounds to mend.

He asked if I could tell him about our planet, so small and blue.

I told about our lovely world - at least as much as I knew.

*

I took him to the library in the centre of our town.

He began to absorb an abundance of knowledge by simply looking around.

He learned of our geology, of crusts and mantles and plates.

He was amazed by our botany - our trees and flowers and dates.

*

His fascination with animal life brought a joyous smile to me.

When I showed him deer and wolves and otters I could feel his honest glee.

He learned about humanity; how we’re different but all the same.

Then something in his soul did hurt, I could feel his sadness and pain.

*

He asked me why we humans seem obsessed with hatred and war.

I had no answer I could give, as I felt his heart grow sore.

He didn’t understand it. If we say we’re all the same,

why is it that our selfishness causes so much pain?

*

Again, I had no answer, no words that I could say,

to soothe his ache and make him understand our world today.

I assured him that not all of us feel hatred for the others,

that most indeed feel empathy and love for one another.

*

He asked what I’d do about it. I wasn’t sure what he meant,

for I am just one single person regardless of intent.

He said it didn’t matter that I was only one,

for all it takes to start the day is a single rising sun.

*

A wave can move a mountain, a moon can light the sky.

A heartbeat stirs a million cells, and a breeze helps birds to fly.

He told me that he knew I had a heart that’s filled with love,

And that was why he chose me when his ship crashed from above.

*

I couldn’t help but giggle and remind him of the pain.

“Ah but,” he said, “I know it hurts, but you have not complained.”

“I crashed my ship into your knee and much hurt you received,

but not once in these weeks that have passed have you asked me to leave.”

*

“I know it was a struggle and some days you did suffer,

but you were willing to take it on for the benefit of another.

Before I leave, I want you to know there’s something you can do.

The only effort required on your part is to keep on being you.”

*

“If, as you say, humanity does care for one another,

then let the feeling spread like rivers to suffocate the other.

Kindness is your strongest weapon and also best defense.

To use it as your greatest power is only common sense.”

*

“Opinions may be different, lifestyles so diverse.

Accept each other for who you are. In differences immerse.

I know that you can do it. I can see it in your eyes.

For you have shown me only kindness since the day that I arrived.”

*

Wise words received and welcomed here from the alien in my knee.

As he started his ship for the journey home, a tear did come to me.

I knew that I would miss him, for he had become my friend.

Although I wouldn’t miss the pain, I was sad for our journey to end.

***********

This started out as a humorous poem about me recovering from knee surgery, and turned into something more. Hope you all all enjoy it. It's my first piece in nearly a month.