Ode to Boots

By Kate Noble

If boots could talk the tales they’d tell

of wearied limbs up random fell

strained summits sought through bracken screens

‘cross rocky outcrops, craggy screes

of high hills conquered, tears and strain

and blizzards, torrents, pouring rain

those mighty climbs to puckered peaks

they’d bluster ‘bout the heights they’ve reached

whilst all times salving tired feet.

Perhaps they’d tells of joys they’d shared

their soles uplifted here and there

and there and here through blistered pain

their ceaseless tread of selfless gain

They’d voice the breathless views they’d seen

if toe-height rocks aren’t inbetween

and wordless shrug off random hail

but wouldn’t tell of summit fails

they’re too discreet to tell tall tales

And silent still ‘bout new found routes

where loss of bearing caused reboots

to careful mappings drawn before                              

they’re not the ones to keep a score       

When sure your compass is your guide

and ground beneath is too unkind

they’re calm and silent travel mates

unfazed when asked to scale locked gates

and stalwart when the bus runs late.

They wouldn’t brag their travel tales

or whine when they have been mislaid

they cushion impacts, scuffs and knocks

and keep your toes toast-dry in socks

unless they spring an awkward leak

for then their future can look bleak

unless a kindly owner deems

they’re worth a service in-between

another tranche of walking schemes.

They ask for nothing, save our skin

and speechless weather kith and kin

plus sweaty socks and flaky skin

protecting ankles, dried out heels                    

they never ask to share our meals

and always maintain inner zeal

Some walks will send us round those bends

but boots stay with us to the end 

They are our unsung hero friends

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Kate Noble's creative writing shares time with singing engagements. Her professional life in disability advocacy has led to a keen interest in social justice, women’s issues, mental health and well-being, together with an interest in liminal spiritual and ‘thin' spaces. Read more – waking the mind whilst touching the soul – in Lothlorien, Witcraft, The Writer’s Journal, The Journal of Undiscovered Poets, The Wise Owl and Blink INK. She is 59 years of age, living in northern England, UK.