“My Culture Runs on These”

Black and orange,
The shading of dirt,
The rubber,
Called Crepe.
The traditional design
That decorates your tops
The part people rarely see.

Long days,
I would’ve never made it without you.
I know I don’t clean you as often as I should.
Stop looking so sad.

You’re a requirement in my life,
One I will always depend on
Like a trusty friend,
To share experiences,
joys and heartbreaks.

I hope you appreciate me as I do you,
But I doubt it.
You probably hate me because you’re overused
And underpaid like the rest of us.

This is in honor of you,
A staple in my culture,
A way to get through,
And something that deserves praise.

Without you
I’m reduced
to less than required.

[subj: cowboy boots]