Sneakers
We were quite a pair, back in the day.
High tops, popped collars and wagging tongues,
swagger in our step.
We broke in to a run-down house,
all arches inside, faded canvas, creaking
floorboards. Ripe to sneak around.
I get nostalgic, now, for the boundless
energy, the bounce in the balls of our feet,
spring-time street hockey and track meets.
We came undone, of course. We got our kicks
from speed, or worse; laced with god-knows-what.
Those were strung out, wasted days.
Now I’m a battered soul, scuffed and greying,
skin tattered, welts cracked, ends frayed.
Well worn and played out.
But you always were my other half;
sinister, but true. A mirror image;
wherever I went, you’d go too.
