A brat
bought me with love
wore me with ample pride
I protected his tender feet
from thorns.
our fond
friendship grew fast
each journey was lovely
together we traversed those miles
of thrill.
now I
sit alone here
he has at least ten pairs
colorful and brighter than me –
new charms.
my plight:
dumped in the yard
glum, I stare at the stars
and presume my uselessness
adrift.
till this –
urchin picks up
takes me to his abode,
gives a perfect shine and wears me
with joy.
© Balroop Singh
Thanks to Colleen for a weekly TankaTuesday challenge, which asks for any syllabic form based on the theme prompt. This week’s theme is “Useful.”
This poem is a Crown Cinquain, five stanzas, each with syllable count of 2/4/6/8/2.
Thanks for the inspiration Colleen.
For more poetry: click here to hear Magical Whispers
Here is my latest release Hues Of Hope
Emotional Shadows 
Balroop. I love your poem and how how you make the shoes the main charachter. We see it all from the life of these
abandoned shoes. Half way I was hoping that someone would find them and wear them with joy. You didn’t disappoint. :)) Great work.
Miriam
Thanks Miriam, I am delighted to hear that the personification and journey of an abandoned item could become interesting. I was quite pleased with how this poem evolved itself. 😊
I love the perspective in this poem, Balroop! And the journey from brat to urchin 💕🙂
Many thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts Harmony, much appreciated. 🤗
That warms my heart, Balroop! As others have noted the perspective you chose is highly unique!
Thank you Mae, I am glad my perspective has been liked… some realities are often brushed aside.
How clever! Nicely done, Balroop.
Thank you Staci 😊
Aw, this was beautiful, Balroop! I loved it! 🙂
Thank you Yvette for sharing your thoughts.
Oooh. I love that pov, Balroop, and the joy at the end is a delight. What a wonderful poem. Hugs.
Thanks Diana, I am so happy that this pov has the appeal of reaching joy. Many discarded things prove be useful for the less privileged. 🤗
Lovely, Balroop.
Thanks Jill 😊
Balroop, I love this poem written from the perspective of the abandoned shoes! This is great imagery! Well done on the theme of useful!! ❤
Thank you so much Colleen, I appreciate all the work that you put in to inspire us. Love and hugs 🤗
Huge hugs back to you, Balroop. ❤
I really enjoyed this poem, Balroop.
Thank you Robbie.
Something old is new again 🙂 Enjoyed this, Balroop.
Thanks Jacquie, old is gold! 😀
A story well told, Balroop! ❤ xo
Thanks Bette 🤗
You’re welcome, Balroop. 😍 Have a blessed and beautiful weekend, my friend! xo
That’s a good ending! (K)
Thank you!
Wonderful perspective Balroop, now those boots have a whole new tale to tell treading new ground.
Much love ❤
Thank you Sue, you are so right! It needs another poem! 😊
😁🥰🤗💖
I love feeling and knowing the joy of that kid who found himself the new owner of this pair :))) It is a treasure when you have just one or none, and the paths treaded are so precious!
Yes, only the less privileged can feel such joy! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts Prag. 🤗
You are very welcome 🙂
I love your cinquain, Balroop! How often we discard things we once loved for something newer when a little tender care could make the old shine again.
Thank you Michelle for sharing your thoughts. So true! Discarded things do prove useful.
That is charming. The fullness of the poem bore out the first line.
I love the story and happy ending for the shoes, Balroop:) What a fun poem.
Loved the journey from brat to urchin
Awesome poem
Thanks!
Love it Balroop and the happy ending.. as I declutter my clothes and shoes and pass them along I hope they too will be enjoyed and cherished as these boots..♥
It’s good to pass on unwanted things to those who may need it. Thank you for such kindness Sally.
This was brilliant, Balroop! I understand the expression “Useful Poetry” now. It’s also very cute and I like the idea that an urchin came along and fixed him up and brought new life to the protective boots. 🙂 HUGS.
Love the poem, Balroop. It’s the same theme as one of my favorite childhood movies, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In that one, Dick Van Dyke fixes up an old car, and it repays him by saving him and his family using new-found magic abilities. 🙂
This is marvelous, Balroop. One of my favorite writing assignments was to write a story from the point of view of a pair of shoes belonging to a famous person. I had such fun with it. Hugs on the wing.
Thank you Teagan, I am glad this poem reminded you of your story! Discarded things do serve their purpose and it is good to donate them before they become worn out. 🤗