fifty cents a pair

we'd sit

on the back porch

and polish the old man's shoes.

fifty cents a pair.

heavy black

and brown shoes.

a pair of dress whites

that he wore

with his navy uniform.

we'd open up the kit

and get to it

with our brushes 

and rags,

the oils in tin cans,

buffing the leather

in small circles,

then holding them up

to the sunlight

when the shine

was just right,

at last.