old shop window and in the back as if an after thought
they lay in a pile so neglected and for lorn
looking so used but rich in experience
they spoke to me in a tongue from a time that saw
war
horrible war
death
then life
then home
I had to buy them and take to my abode
a long bath followed by oil, saddle soap and a shine
new life began and new secrets we shared
heart breaks and hard times
they took me everywhere
across town
in foreign lands
in the sky
across the seven seas
joy
love
strength
comfort
when all others just saw
old shoes