The Old Shoe Shine Box

Tucked away in dad’s back closet,
Stocked with polishes and such;
Dad would let us boys come work,
And learn to earn a buck.

He taught us work had dividends,
If we would put the effort in.
Come days, or nights or weekends
We’d shine them up for him.

He didn’t pay us what we’re worth, 
Or offer “bonus” pay;
But there we learned initiative,
That drives our lives today.

I remember when he taught me,
About colors, soles and buffing.
Then He’d spit into the tins
I’d scoff and thought: “He’s bluffing!”

In reflecting dad, I’m thankful…
For little jobs like shoe shines.
You gave our lives a “polish”
Beyond your quarters and your dimes.

If I could, I’d take your shoes right now
And polish every one.
To let you know my love and thanks
For ways you raised good sons.

By Shoe Shine Son #3
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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M  Avatar
December 20, 2022 at 5:13 PM
Aww Tom what a wonderful touching poem about your dad. It made me emotional as I could feel the love and pride you have for your dad. Just beautiful…..Debx
Valles Avatar
January 30, 2023 at 10:59 AM
Thank you, Deb, for your comments. Poetry is such a versatile and powerful vehicle for expressing our values, emotions and convictions. Keep on writing!
Kauffman Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 11:54 AM
Tom, this poem brought a smile to my face and an ahhh to my voice. It is lovely in its memory and evokes wonderful life lessons our parents left us with even after they are gone. I enjoyed this very much!
Valles Avatar
June 23, 2022 at 4:12 PM
Sam, thank you for taking the time to comment. I miss my dad very much. I found the poem on an old thumb drive and thought it might "speak" to someone so I posted it. Very glad you liked it.
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