Just Two Little Shoes: A Poem

Just Two Little Shoe? Two little shoes whose well-worn toes Do mutely tell of tender feet, With skin just like a fresh, wild rose, As delicate, smooth and as sweet. They'd toddle forth at eventide — I can hear his gurgles and coos — Dearer than all the world beside Was the patter of little shoes. Treasured as gold are these small shoes, With their toe-caps of shiny black, Uppers shading from tans to blues, And coloring's gone from the back, Worn by the creep of my Dandy Boy; — The thought of his crowing imbues In my heart such a world of joy, As I fondle his little shoes. Two little shoes, I love them well, For the sake of my Dandy Boy, Whose gurgling laugh would rise and swell, Brimming my heart with heav'nly joy. The angels came one summer night, Came down with the shadows and dews; My little man joined in their flight, So I treasure his lonely shoes. Oh, how I love these tiny shoes, Since his patter I'll hear no more. ^ No more I'll run from his fierce "boos, As he wriggles across the floor; I'll kiss no more his laughing lips, Nor the down of his curls profuse; Nor can I check the tear that drips On the laces of little shoes. Two little feet, all pink and white, Have gone toddling away from me They trotted off one starry night, Far. far, over the boundless sea. He left his smile where angels stroll, In the sunset's gorgeous hues; The mystic touch that thrilled my soul He left here with his tiny shoes. H. R. Merrill. PRESTON, IDAHO