Retired Shoes, Benjamin Mui

Lifeless lay the line of long looking shoes But flowing are the memories inside them Back during the time with nothing to lose Eager and crisp before the journey ahead

Like the ballerina whose dancing ceased too soon Those tippy-toes and pirouettes lighting up the stage Last but for a sliver of time before the curtains close The once graceful dancer reduced to nervous and depressed

Like the runner whose legs would carry him miles Where youth was indeed his greatest friend While age slowly outpaced his struggles And overtook him before crossing the finish line

Like the veteran whose boots walked bloodied swamps Innocence was the first casualty of battle Followed by the friends lost along the way Their final words or screams echoing again

Although the shoes sit serving as a reminder Of our past glories and triumphs… our golden years We still sneak our ways out and forward Finding life and fire beyond days retired Savoring love for a time far shorter Than that of which we’ll be gone