by Sean Young
Through long dog days of summer
Through sleepless winter nights
Through years of tireless care
Through sorrows and delights
Those shoes have traveled far
And borne their wearer well
To tend to newborn cries
And lift where others fell
They’ve willingly stepped in filth
When helping hands were asked
They’ve walked in solitude
At times they’ve even danced
The soles are wearing thin now
In places, the leather is peeling
The toes are rough and scuffed
From standing after kneeling
‘Ere long they’ll be replaced
Like those that came before
But for now they still serve well
At least a while more
Sean Young is a medical geographer and assistant professor in the College of Public Health, father of seven miscreants children, and burgeoning bard.