Funny to imagine, them out there without me,
stopping by a shoeshine boy,
searching for a dime,
but so assertive now,
the two of them in their newfound freedom.

There they are in front of the newsstand
now feeling important,
leisurely, hanging carelessly about,
their laces hanging out.

This morning they were impertinent,
a bit self-possessed.
They were tired of me too long
in the bathroom
probably seeing me as vain;
perking the coffee, sitting down
with pen in hand drawing a blank.

They needed to make a statement,
two empty shoes,
here we are, here!
Tongues hanging out from too much wear
but rows of eyes from which to look out of,
two empty shoes
out to face the world.

©Sept 2, 2013 by UT2