My Sole Mate

by Mohan M Prasad

The other day I bought a new pair of shoes

For my folks insisted "the time has come to discard the old"

The excitement of the new stayed just as long

Till moved the old pair into the shoe box to say 'so long'

Holding them in hand I hesitated that trifle longer

As if to pause and say politely I need you no longer

That's when it happened. As I held on, I deeply felt the belong

And started reflecting on all those fond memories as long

I remembered how he had held on to me with such grace

Always with a smile that those shine brought to his face

He was the perfect response whenever people looked down upon me

Like some savior at times when people judged by the boot and not me

Always holding himself neat with those laces immaculately tied

As if needed to make a statement of our bond time tried

How can I ever forget those intense moments as mornings set?

When I used to hold him to give those fond rubs to turn him at his best

I fondly remember the rhythm to my gait he brought

Those smart tapping sounds every time I walked

But then I also knew like any other; age wears all of us away

And there comes a time for us to wither away

Yet those fond memories I will ever recall

Those great times together; yes we truly had a ball

Mohan M Prasad