When I Shine My Shoes

“There is only one sort of discipline; perfect discipline.” – George S. Patton

When I shine my shoes,

newspaper crinkles and folds

under the rubber weight of my sole.

When I shine my shoes,

laces loosen and unravel

unleashing my feet to march free.

When I shine my shoes,

black flakes fall and fog

my scuffed transgressions of few weeks former.

When I shine my shoes,

Lincoln lacquer refracts the light,

revealing my reflection on my newly refreshed toe.

Verdant views and old world hues

fill my mind

when I shine my shoes.