The Poetry Corner

The Patent-leather Shoe

By Alfred Lichtenstein

The poet thought: ah, I have enough trash! The whores, the theater, and the moon in the city, The dress-shirts, the streets, and smells, The nights and the coaches and the windows, The laughter, the street-lights and murders - I'm really fed up now with all the crap, Damn it! Whatever will be will be - it's all the same to me: The patent leather shoe Hurts me.And I take it off - People might turn around, surprised. Only it's a shame about my silk socks...