A man, long plagued by hip pain,
finally took the step
his orthopaedic surgeon advised,
who had no other choice
than to prepare a plan,
in which he said: Surgery!

Before that, you have to know,
were pills, ointments, soft pillows,
gymnastics, stroking, heat packs
with a heated grain bag;
exercise, rest, in phases
also therapy with cold ice,
follow all advice, -
Whatever it was, the person did it.

Sometimes it was better, usually worse,
but there was always a glimmer of hope
that something would remain effective
and take away the pain completely.

Because nothing helped - we've already heard,
the only option was surgery.

And so, in no time at all
the new metal hip
the ornament in the rotten pelvis
and could awaken joy again
for the one who now swings his knuckle
and is no longer lame and no longer limping.

The man, moved by gratitude,
feels only the other hip.