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