Velcro Shoes

did every colour of decay

ever look better?

the path still wet

with last night’s splash, and

in the gutter, drifts of 

red-gold leaf fall

a mat of sodden confetti,

but it’s bright and crisp today

and I’m quick to forgive

the shortcomings of the season.

my thin blood feels sluggish

forcing me to take my time

starting out up the hill,

I feel like an old machine 

coughing and hawking, before

shuddering into life then running smoothly,

I realise I should have buttoned my coat

before leaving and now struggle

comically to align the holes to the buttons 

casting a strange choreography.

I pass and nod a hello, 

to a couple of old fellows, who 

walk bent over as if praying,

noticing their comfortable

velcro fastened shoes,

no doubt a recent purchase 

from a weekend newspaper 

advertisement.

I pity their infirmity

and selfishly hope for better

for myself, but can’t help but think

I meant to do something today,

something important

*

© Graham R Sherwood 11/21