Boots

Ears strain in vain

for faint familiar tread

hatred reared it’s ugly head 

hearts ripped raw

heave sobs instead

empty boots 

that never trod 

on holy ground

side by side 

they make no sound

humble men

killed and stilled 

leave ready boots

never again 

to be filled

I see my father’s boots

and those are my teacher’s shoes

I see my brother’s boots

my friend’s and lover’s

stranger’s too 

I see my boots