Green City

A tale of a golden era.

A shoe shiner rests on concrete,

waiting for new leather to polish.

He's a young boy looking for an honest buck.

His tip jar empty,

stricken misfortune and lack of luck

Little does he know I watch from afar,

knowing exactly how he feels.

I'd help him out if I only had a pair.

No shoes on my feet

Both of us feel the clutch of despair

I'll go to work at the factory,

make my forty cents an hour

I'll save for a nice pair of shoes,

walk to his stand

and cure the young lad's blues

I stepped to his seat with a smile,

and watched him merrily work.

"I never knew shoes could shine like that."

I placed a tip in the jar,

face lit up, he tipped his newsboy cap.

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

That golden era of shoe-shining has passed but it still a good business in some countries. Bravo..........

[Bill O. Writes]

Thanks for the review, Sami! Having not come from that time in America I'm glad I was at least capture the essence to a degree.

[Sami Khalil]

Yep. You are welcome...:).....................

[Frieda P]

This is heartwarming and tragic at the same time....you nailed the emotion of despair & hope in one shot, outstanding read Bill!

[Bill O. Writes]

Awww Frieda, thanks! Always enjoy your visits and reviews. You're a doll!

[Frieda P]

Was my pleasure entirely, this one touched a soft spot.