I picked up the vintage wingtips at a thrift store

They were used of course

 

The leather was well kept, polished

Soft and in excellent condition

 

The soles had been warn smooth

And the laces were tattered and thin

 

As I looked closer

The bottom of the right shoe was worn more

 

It looked as though the wearer

Had constantly had a load to carry

 

I couldn’t help but wonder

About the story of these shoes

 

Who had been the owner?

What was his life?

 

I knew that he was hard working

From the wear

 

Responsible and grateful

From the care

 

And frugal

From the laces

 

But most interesting is what I could tell

By studying another person’s sole