Old Shoes

It’s all in the shoes. They’re two years old now, worn in, or out, just right. And they need to go.

One more polish will get them through another tour, but I’m going to have to get some new ones.

Funny how old and tired my uniform looks now. Last time I wore it I didn’t give it a second thought, just something to wear to work. It’s nice being able to wear the same thing every day, no bad decisions made at the crack of dawn to regret for the rest of the day. Same colors, same routine. Nice.

I wonder when I stopped caring about the uniform. My Lieutenants bars are covered with oil from my fingertips. Just a little buff with a Kleenex will do. There, little thing but so important. I guess a little steam from the iron will put a little life back into this old shirt, going to have to put in for some new ones. Hope they arrive before the end of winter.

Dark socks. I had to wear white socks out of necessity a few times, ruined my day. Every time I sat down there they were, little white beacons at the bottom of my legs bringing attention to my giant feet, and my tired old shoes.

Not tomorrow, shiny shoes and black socks. And a freshly pressed uniform that’s going to last this time.

See you at 0700 hrs.,  bright and shiny.