Old shoes

A poem for Edward. You are remembered now always

He's like an old leather shoe,

a little worn down in places 

but still fully functional; 

the odd damp sock

cause for wry amusement, 

rather than melancholy,

as mile on mile he enjoys

birdsong and butterfly (and the 

odd fandango along the way,) 

and always, without exception, 

marching to the rhythmic beat of life 

that accompanies his every joyous step. 

Much travelled he is.

Dark alleys, sunset cast highways,

pathways that meander through

ancient forests and over tall, 

majestic mountains;  

the ebb and flow of the tide
even allowing him to occasionally 

walk under water; much, it has to 

be said, to the amazement of those 

mysterious denizens of the deep 

who thought they had cornered 

the market on such miracles. 

Eventually of course, in the same way as Canis Majoris,

his time will come and no amount of spit and polish 

will cover the cracks; rain will seep and dust to dust,

ashes to ashes, shall have its way; but it will 

never be said that in three score year and ten, 

(and doubtless more,) he ever missed a single day.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This is the most original tribute ever! I love everything about this message. I love the way the affection is nearly dripping from your words. I love the way you use many wanderlust descriptions, entwined with nature observations, all together making a tapestry of this person's life. My own life has been quite a bit like this, so I feel those old shoes (hiking boots) in a big way! Captivating writing! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Coyote Poetry]

I like the title and how you used the words"Old shoes".
"Much travelled he is.
Dark alleys, sunset cast highways,
pathways that meander through
ancient forests and over tall,
majestic mountains;
the ebb and flow of the tide
even allowing him to occasionally
walk under water; "
The above line create a proper life. I like the complete poem. Create a complete tale in so few words.
Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Chris]

I had some thoughts with this one... and took exception to "shall have its wicked way" because for such a He rain always seeped but was never cursed and death is but lifelong friend who shared the walk and all the ways arm-in-arm. But that's just me I guess...

You spoke well.

[Michael G. Smith]

Great analogy and living life to its fullest. Two things that can do that a wonderful woman at your side and the innocence of one's children.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I read this again and it is an eloquent tribute to someone you respect and observe and value. You write in a classic style with feeling.

[Sami Khalil]

I think you wrote a great tribute to this man. By any count, you are talented...:).....

[Tree]

There is something about the old shoe. The old big eyed horse, now useless. For me, it's a melancholy thing, all those memories. Faithful companion no longer able to journey able to serve. But maybe, I'm being too sentimental, Beccy. I'll blame it on your fine poem ;)
One of the saddest pics I ever saw of the Jewish holocaust had no starving people in it, no incinerators, no dead people. It was just a giant pile of shoes.


nice work here, Beccy.

Diego

[Dean]

Fine writing as usual--but I am sure all of us would like some inkling of who his is--or was.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we get old and weathered...but what is important is that we never miss living a day to its fullest.

i would like to think i have done that...and death won't be so unwelcomed when it comes.

i drifted along through this poem, much like i have drifted through life...savoring every moment of it.