When we shine up the shoe on one side

We realize we have to buff the other hide

And so we polish eagerly with great relish 

Until the shine comes up showing how hellish



Was the job we did on the other foot's cover

So we're driven to reapply to make smoother

But no matter how much we buff and shine

The other one never looks even in our mind



So we work at the tarnished elements again

Trying hard to even things and make a train

Which chugs along steadily upon its tracks

Slowing down at crossings, maybe go back



And refill the hopper with some larger coals

Ones which'll last longer whilst stoking soul

Enabling us to turn the train around on a dime

Filling the heels which fly with wings thru time



Trains and then heels fly across our direct path

Tiring us to the point we simmer in a hot bath

Filled with the water heated by those large coals

The ones which do keep us from feeling so old ...



Christopher W. Thomas

11:55pm Thurs. 11/20/97