Forty Below

Forty Below

Oh my goodness, it’s forty below,

Winds are high, cars covered in snow.

I put on my boots, coat, and hat,

Walk to the car, feeling flat.

Come on baby, the sky is clear,

Please start for me and quiet my fear.

Frozen checklist, runs through my head,

Oh God, I hope the battery's not dead.

Key in ignition, I’m crossing my fingers,

Reciting my prayers, but worry still lingers.

I turn the key; the car begins talking,

rea…ly...sick…you…are…wal..king…

Face turns white, and drops like stone,

Reality kicks in; I don’t like this tone.

I remove the key, slunk back in the seat,

wish there was a way to generate heat.

New round of prayers, eyes in the air,

Turn the ignition and begin to swear.

Car repeats position; oh this cannot be,

Show starts in an hour, please start for me.

Come now baby, I’ll take care of you,

Just turn the engine, for good ole Stew?

Woo…woo…well…may…be…OK!

Yes, yes, yes, concerts on today!

Car engine running, heater on max,

Vows made, to preserve my pax.

I step out of vehicle, scraper in hand,

Slam the door shut, smiling grande.

As the door closes, I hear that clop,

Oh my god, my spirits then drop.

I realize quickly, it was the locks,

And spare car keys, are in the glovebox.

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Shoe Shocked

Shoe Shocked

Sun shining bright what a beautiful day,

such fine weather for a stroll by the bay.

I pick up my shoes and pick up my socks,

then gasp in horror, my eyes are in shock.

My right shoe tattered with holes on one side,

“to be seen in these? I still have my pride!”

I look to the rack at old runners there,

with heals lop sided, long rip and a tear.

Looking modest, I go shopping for shoes,

these dirty old runners will have to do.

arriving there to a frenzy and sale,

the showroom’s crowded, I cannot fail.

I’ll have to hurry and get to the racks,

before they’re all gone, they’re not charging the tax.

There’s so many shoes that I do not like,

the worst were the blues with pink and red stripes.

I found a pair but they’re not in my size,

smooth black loafers, cushioned soles n’ ties.

I searched all the racks from top to bottom,

where my size should be they haven’t got-em.

Looking down at my shoes, I’m not happy,

holes now bigger, my shoes look so crappy.

I swallowed my pride asked for assistance,

bowing head to vanity’s insistence.

The salesperson smiles and asks what I need,

I point to the rack where my shoes should be.

“I’m so sorry sir, we’re all out of stock,”

“Let me check in the back, check at the dock.”

But below stores counter are shoes in my size,

the sales clerk smiles, “You’ve got good eyes!”

I try one on, my elation discrete,

the shoe fits perfect, I feel so complete.

I pay for the shoes and make for the door,

thank the salesman and depart from the store.

Now arriving home content with my day,

I make my plans for a stroll by the bay.

I take out new loafers, gosh they look neat,

but the shoes that I bought, have two left feet.

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2nd Edit March 17, 2020