Ode to a Pair of Flip-Flops

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When I bought you many moons ago, You had red cherries on your white sole, And bright red straps to hug my feet. The cherries have long since disappeared, And the white faded to gray years ago. The ridges on your bottoms Intended to keep me from slipping, Have all but worn away. The cheery red straps have Morphed into translucent burnt orange. Your last few years were spent in light duty, Mostly perched outside the back door, So I could slip you on Morning and evening when I went to feed the ever-hungry cat. But I pushed you too far, When I wore you to the beach. Though I carried you in one hand, As I forged my way across the sand. We alighted from the car to stop for lunch and— The odd translucent burnt orange strap broke. And now, I bid you a fond farewell as into the trash can you go. You served me well for many a year, But your time has come. Good-bye old, friends. © 2016 Denise Longrie *An earlier version of this poem appeared other sites. It has been slightly altered for its inclusion in myLot.*