Big Shoes

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BIG SHOES

It doesn't take big feet  to wear Big Shoes.

It takes someone with strong and certain views.

 It takes someone who learns to give an inch

And yet, when faced with problems, doesn't flinch.

It takes someone who doesn't seem to need

The compliments of others to succeed.

It takes a person who is always true

To what is in his heart, not public view.

It takes someone of courage and of verve

Who's well-endowed with bravery and nerve.

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The heroes of past history wore Big Shoes;

If they were here today who would we choose?

Our modern life has cut us down to size

And we anticipate the coming lies;

We doubt our politicians from the start;

We're cynical about each scheming heart.

We wait for twisted words and wary faces;

We learn of past misdeeds and past disgraces.

Humanity has seen its better days;

Maybe we can't escape our time's malaise.

Maybe we get the leaders we deserve;

Maybe we all are on a downward curve.

Maybe it's all just fame on the evening news.

Maybe there's no-one who can fill Big Shoes.

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FIRST MEMORY

My first memory is of cold hands.

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I am a tiny child

Lying in bed

In a cold, cold room.

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England.

Winter.

Nearly eighty years ago.

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My hands,

Tiny petrified starfish,

Lie on top of the blankets.

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I cannot sleep

For the discomfort of them.

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Carefully,

I place them,

One after the other,

Under the covers.

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I remember the thought.

'Ah!

This is how to keep warm!'

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I recall the newness of the thought.

I recall the triumph

Of doing something for myself.

I recall the bliss

Of the warmth of my own body.

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Such a tiny memory!

So insignificant!

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Yet I believe

This was the precise moment

I became a person.

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