I cut my teeth
on a pair of shoes
a blind man wears
knowing this makes failure
and success meaningless
blind his whole life he says
how he imagines they shine
through my cowardice
he must feel
I can’t tell
but even black
polished smooth enough
gives back light
he was told
he says and feels
the dull coins out
holds my hand
to place them in my palm
and walks away
along the dusty street
his silver cane
tapping before
each step
gleams
Featured art: Shoeshine – Mexico
Watercolor on paper, 14″ x 21″ by Thomas W Schaller.
Image used with permission from the artist.