Emerging from Pentagon Metro Stop,
Escalator-tall,
Scarved by Mother,
Booted by the Cat's Meow
Thrift-store back in Corvallis,
I realize and remember that
The last time boots felt this way
I was six, hiking with Grandpa
At McDonald Forest.

"Don't scuff; pick up your feet."
"OK, Grandpa."
Now, to avoid scuffing,
I walk with a clip-clop,
Redolent of the rancher he was,
That I won't be.