Ode to Chuck Taylor
Ode to Chuck Taylor
Chuck Taylor and his all-stars are pure foot wearing
Satisfaction, out of the box with colors bright with
The rich black matte canvas as dark as coal and
White rubber so brilliant they blind like diamonds.
Chuck and entourage becomes the cherished crew
Of choice; putting spunk into each day’s outfit a
Constant companion; never failing to provide comfort
Or support. Every day, week, and month of the years
Worn along over time—like everything else,
Little Chuck—size four—and co. changes,
His bright whites fade to the dirty gray of
Winter road slush and the dark canvas
Goes salt and pepper like middle-aged hair.
Chuck and his pals weather these alterations,
Like a fine wine perfected with their ageing—
Yet, still true blue in the services they provide.
It’s only natural they fit like a second skin to
Embrace the foot’s curves in all the right places.
Weary from use, Chuck and his friends start to fall
Apart, losing their grip as rubber soles are worn away
By the miles they have tread together. Other shoes line
The closet shelves—waiting for the chance to put a new
Foot forward when Chuck Taylor and his all-stars lay
In their final resting place interred at the bottom of the closet.
But their pure foot wearing satisfaction will never be forgotten.
