Still Life with Shoes, Emil Carlsen (c.1915)
Shoes
There is a large box in the center hall
Containing something more precious than gold
They’re what some may choose to hang on a wall
Symbols of memories from young to old
Wherever traveled my shoes took me there
Be it smooth road or rugged mountain trail
In a year’s time often had but a pair
Some failed as I walked through the nearby swale
Looking closely at my laced up new ones
Wondering what new travels are in store
Now must wary about these bunions
Shan’t detour desire of many miles more
Life is a journey of countless footsteps
Over worn shoes are signs of my journey
Scuffs and scrapes memories of my missteps
But their creases have captured life’s beauty