Mickey Grubb | + Follow Poet |
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Notes About The Poem

This poem is my quiet celebration of survival. If reading this through the lens of recovery, there is no grand declaration of victory, but rather a gentle acknowledgment of endurance. To me, that’s how my survival after battling cancer feels—not triumphant, but real, earned, and sacred in its simplicity.

The Hat and the Boots

The hat hangs on the wall,
not as a relic,
but as a witness—
to mornings that began before the sun
had made up its mind,
to arguments with weather
and the quiet pacts signed in sweat.

Below, the boots—
faded, cracked, obedient,
still loyal to the shape of a man
who walked with purpose,
even when purpose was
just getting through the day.

They are not symbols,
though we make them so.
They are not sacred,
though we treat them gently,
as if disturbing them
might sever the bond
that holds the past
to the present.

And yet—
the window is open.
The light is not wistful,
but new.
The boots do not mourn.
The hat does not sag.
They wait,
as all things wait
for the next hand,
the next step,
the next story
to begin.

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Deb M Date: 9/16/2025 2:12:00 AM Incredibly beautiful write from your heart Mickey!Belated Congratulations on this very well deserved POTD! Debx Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/16/2025 3:52:00 AM Thank you, Deb, for your visit and heartfelt words. Much appreciated.

Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 9/8/2025 6:23:00 AM Hello Mickey, Congrats on POTD. I love how your closing movement points toward possibility, toward what comes next, without dismissing what came before - that's where the real wisdom lives. It's hopeful without being naive, forward-looking while honoring the weight of experience. Excellent! Blessings, Mickey, Daniel Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/8/2025 9:16:00 AM Thank you so much, Daniel. Your words mean a great deal. I’m grateful you felt the message in the closing movement. It’s encouraging to know the piece resonated with you in that way. Not sure about the wisdom...it likely wandered in by accident. Wishing you continued inspiration and blessings as well--Mickey

Kim Rodrigues Date: 9/7/2025 8:16:00 PM Fave Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/8/2025 5:04:00 AM That's special...thank you.

Kim Rodrigues Date: 9/7/2025 8:15:00 PM What a wonderful and heartfelt write, dear Poet! I agree! Congratulations on POTD! Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/8/2025 5:04:00 AM Hi Kim, thank you so much!

Princess Susi Etelagi Date: 9/7/2025 5:02:00 PM beautiful, wonderful Rythm and piece of writing! Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/8/2025 5:03:00 AM Thank you, Princess...so happy you enjoyed.

Paula Goldsmith Date: 9/7/2025 11:20:00 AM Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your powerful write. Only those who have worn your hat/boots can understand. They can feel real from the pain and the survival. Now to your next chapter in life, to fully live and be thankful. Have a very blessed day with your wonderful win........... Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/7/2025 12:09:00 PM Paula, I appreciate your visit and promising words. Thank you for the uplift. Likewise, have a blessed week ahead.

Brandy Nicole Date: 9/6/2025 4:25:00 PM Mickey, for you and many that have been in those ' shoes, ' the struggle is real, and in moments like this, survival is also very real. A celebration of life, indeed. Your thoughts touch my heart, my dear friend. Congratulations on receiving, Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/7/2025 10:58:00 AM Thank you, Brandy, for your heartfelt, encouraging words. Hugs to you too.

I Am Anaya Date: 9/6/2025 2:00:00 PM There is the essence of the man or woman, in that hat and in those boots by far, and is something personal indeed. Congratulations on your POTD MG! I Am Anaya Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/7/2025 10:56:00 AM Thx so much for your support, Anaya. I appreciate your visit.

Sam Kauffman Date: 9/6/2025 12:41:00 PM What a wonderful poem, Mickey. The hat and boots wait in readiness for their next adventure. Wonderful metaphors! Congratulations on your POTD. All the best. Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 1:08:00 PM So true, Sam. Thank you for the reading and posting. Have a great weekend!!

John Hamilton Date: 9/6/2025 12:16:00 PM Congrats Mickey, a well deserved honor, this write really resonates with me. Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 1:05:00 PM Hi John, thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment. So glad it meant something to you. I am honored.

Arlo Parker Date: 9/6/2025 11:54:00 AM A delight for all the working men on board. POTD for the "regulars". Thanks for posting. Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 1:03:00 PM Hey Arlo, glad it meant something!! Thanks for the visit and for the uplifting comment!!

Beryl Edmonds Date: 9/6/2025 11:17:00 AM Congratulations Micky on receiving the honour of poem of the day, a great write… Beryl Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 12:41:00 PM Thanks Beryl. I appreciate the visit and happy you enjoyed the read.

Riley Emerson Date: 9/6/2025 10:47:00 AM Congratulations on your your POTD win! Have a good day. :-) Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 12:39:00 PM Thanks Riley. Likewise, have a great weekend!

Jim Slaughter Date: 9/6/2025 9:28:00 AM Absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on POTD, as well, Mickey. Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 12:38:00 PM Thank you, Jim. I appreciate your visit and comment.

Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 9/6/2025 6:00:00 AM Congratulations on your POTD honour - it is well-deserved. Enjoyed your insightful, wise, remarkable poem. Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 6:55:00 AM Hi Malabika. This is a first for me, and totally unexpected. Thank you for your visit and your kind words.

Tom Woody Date: 9/6/2025 5:50:00 AM Enjoy your special day Mickey. Well deserved algorithmic choice for POTD Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 6:53:00 AM Yeah, this was a shock, never expected. It's like a metaphoric capstone...just doing something I love. Thanks, Tom.

John Lawless Date: 9/6/2025 5:41:00 AM I've been both of hem....i mean worn both of them, become both of them...and they me...Nicely done Micky...I must give this a Boston Ironworker's WICKED PISSA.... Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 6:47:00 AM Thank you, John. Much appreciated.

Sara Etgen-Baker Date: 9/6/2025 3:00:00 AM returning to congratulate you on your POTD designation for this remarkable poem. Hooray! Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 6:46:00 AM I never expected this, but am thankful. Thank you, Sara, for the return visit and your kind words.

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 9/6/2025 1:28:00 AM - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d., Mickey :) - A great poem :) - hugs Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 6:41:00 AM Thank you so much, Anne-Lise. Hugs back at you!

Zyrool Gifford Date: 9/6/2025 12:35:00 AM Hello Mickey, congratulations on winning POTD with your beautiful poem. beautifully written and a great read. Wishing you a wonderful weekend as you celebrate. Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/6/2025 6:40:00 AM Thank you, Zyrool...so glad you enjoyed.

Sara Etgen-Baker Date: 9/4/2025 6:08:00 PM Wow, just wow. appreciated the depth of the symbolism with the hat & boots. I liked the hope that echoed in the last few lines. Beautiful poetry. Faving. wishing you a pleasant evening Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/4/2025 7:42:00 PM Happy you enjoyed the piece. And thank you for the fav, Sara. Always special…

Tom Woody Date: 9/4/2025 2:42:00 PM Survival is a victory of sorts. Here's to new beginnings Mickey. Poignant write Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/4/2025 2:56:00 PM Thank you, Tommy. I feel fine (The Beatles), and I am thankful for each new day! Cheers, my poet friend!

Riley Emerson Date: 9/4/2025 11:32:00 AM I feel a strong sense of hope and life in your poem. Especially towards the end. Wonderfully written! Thank you for sharing. Login to Reply Mickey Grubb Date: 9/4/2025 2:59:00 PM Thank you, Riley, for reading and sharing your thoughts. I am so thankful for every new sunrise! So warm...