Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

Thank you for sharing Bart Hersey with us in this contest entry. I enjoyed reading. This entry flowed smoothly and told a complete story. You did a good job writing this. I know your friend is looking down at you and smiling over this post. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Barb. He surely is looking down, and he's probably wondering why I'm not out there running. I've been slacking off.

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I've known one or two men in my life, that helped change this juggernaut that is me, my direction, I can count them on hand with a couple of fingers removed. You have a way of constructing a poem easy to read without stumbling on the flow. Well done Paul, beautifully written, blessings, well done, Roy

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Roy. Sometimes it takes a bit of work to get that flow going.

reply by royowen on 28-Jun-2022

Yes, that?s important

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

I want a pair of those shoes! A fine tribute Paul, good rhyming and I adore the sentiment as you have great respect and admiration for this dear friend, much enjoyed, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Christine. He certainly was a dear friend. I always enjoyed making that long trip to see him.

Comment from Fleedleflump

Excellent

What a lovely tale, and it's great that the shoes are still around to provide that reminder and connection. This is beautifully written with a bouncy storytelling style. I only tripped right at the start:

'Now I don't know how many years it has been
That I met this marvelous man.'

Should 'That' be 'Since'?

Mike

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Mike. You are right. I'll make that change.

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

Your contest entry tells of true friendship over the years,
not just a fair weather friend. I enjoyed reading this, Paul.
I like the end rhymes, the smooth flow, and how the friendship
began and lasted. Yes, his spirit is with you when you wear those
shoes, but also in your heart.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes, Jan

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Jan. I wear his shoes in everyday life, also.

Comment from Spitfire

Excellent

My mom always told me to buy a good pair of shoes, not matter what the cost or my heels and toes would suffer eventually. You found this out for yourself. Thank goodness for Bart who could custom make something for your sore feet. The expense is worth it. A warm story of friendship you have penned here with your gift for rhyming.

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Spitfire. Those shoes are so comfortable, that I wear them every day.

Comment from Theodore McDowell

Excellent

Paul, a touching and genuine tribute to a friend. Great for the contest. Isn't it funny how unexpected events bring two people together and that chance meeting results in a lasting friendship? Well done.

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Ted. It surely was a very unusual meeting.

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Paul, This is a very nice and inspiring poem you have penned about your very interesting friend. I wish he was still about as I would contact him to see if he could help my brother with some shoes so he could walk better. The doctors keep cutting his foot away to the bone. You used great descriptive words and very nice imagery. Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Teri. Bart was known for building shoes for people who had very bad foot problems.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

That is an incredible poem about an incredible friendship of a man who could make shoes that helped you run painlessly. That it is a true story makes it that more special. You were surely blessed when he came into your life. This is going to be a strong contender in the contest. Well done and good luck! :) Sandra xx

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 Comment Written 27-Jun-2022

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reply by the author on 27-Jun-2022

Thanks, Sandra. It pained me to write this poem. I was always going to write a poem about him, but not after he died.