Andy Smith
They start out stiff
Impressed by their own newness
Sharp edged and sturdy toes
With not a crease on their faces.
It’s hard to pull them on at first
Their reluctance squeezing my feet
My feet in turn, pushing them to be more open.
This in, out pushing continuing day after day
Until I realize all at once
That they’ve found each other,
Finally respect each other—
My feet and my boots.
Soft security of friendship replacing the
Hard awkwardness of acquaintance
And smile lines drawn on my face and theirs
From the happy miles we’ve traveled together.
All pretense is gone as they sit
In a slight slouch by the door
Waiting to go out into the wide world again
Together.
