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

[AprilRN1210]

absolutely brilliant metaphor that is maintained throughout.. I forgot I was reading a poem and got lost in the entertaining, vivid, and thought-provoking journey you took me on with these clever analogies and adventures in life... I giggled and I enjoyed every minute.. You write beautifully... I cannot wait to read more from you as this was an amazing piece of work... well done!

[Woody]

I really love the comparison. this is told with much love and tenderness. he must be quite the fellow.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

And Edward must be quite a soul!

[Tom]

Yes indeed, keeping active is very beneficial to our health and happy harmony and Edward is living proof of that!

A gracious testimonial to a fascinating, inspirational character !

[W.k.kortas]

The wise man always follows the wise Mr. Hart about...there is the touch of some of the popular 19th Century poets Whitcomb Riley and Service here, though dispensing with the hackneyed rhyme and cloying sentimentality they favored; indeed, there is a whisper of the Edgar Lee Masters about this, which is rare company, indeed. The piece has a bit of the feel of the folk tale without going overboard on the foksiness, which is a difficult tightrope to walk.

[Lydia Shutter]

What a wonderful character study this is! Someone like that will be remembered for many years. Lovely! Lydi**

[Ed Hart]

what a wonderful song this is...i am returned to my boyhood and my countless meanders, but no one like you to notice or sing about