My Brother's Old Shoes

I drove to Billie's one lovely day

South for a visit in friendly Conroe

We talked, laughed and snacked a bit

In our rockers, we rocked to and fro.


Next day I went for a little walk

In Billie's flower garden I strolled

Poetic words came to me

So in my mind, words were scrolled.


I think that Billie is really unique

Because she is my sister-in-law

In her garden, I was surprised

My brother's old shoe on a rock I saw.


I saw these old well-worn shoes

My brother's old shoes he gardened in

I had to have a photo of this

First place in my memories, it will win.


I moved one old shoe just a bit

That Billie had potted a plant within

As I did, Mr. Toad jumped out

He scared me:  but I managed a grin!

Bessie MelVina Carathers

October 22, 2003

The scared Mr. Toad hide from me

Wouldn't come out for love nor money

A photo I wanted for my album

Guess I'll just have to let him be.


My brother's old shoes has seen many days

Of puttering around in his gardens

Plowing and planting and watering

His plants did flourish as the growing begins.


I don't know if Mr. Toad is still there

I won't move the shoe and I won't touch

The succulents plant in my brother's shoe

In five or six years, it has grown this much.


To this day, I wear brother's ring

Made by him for my arth~ri~tic finger

Many happy memories I have of my brother

Over seventy~years of fun and laughter.