An Anglican vicar in NSW has a work-related repetitive strain Injury In his feet which, it is believed, comes from kneeling while conducting church services.
The thought will then arise afresh
That we are only bone and flesh.
That, working on salvation’s fringe,
Our conscience often gives a hinge.
Thus faith must learn to take the strain
That comes from work-related pain,
For sermons, too, like knees that give,
Are often quite repetitive!
So vulnerable indeed this sector,
That seems the province of the rector,
Though when he’s in devoted crouch
Who blames him for a muttered “ouch”?
One cannot but misgiving feel
That strain accompanies those who kneel,
With varying and sharp degrees
When one is busy on one’s knees.
Max Fatchen