Grease pops hot on the flat-top grill
I watch the yard from the windowsill
Boots crunch gravel heavy and slow
Counting steps in the evening glow
Postcard counts boots in the overgrown grass
Watching the summer seasons pass
Faded picture corners torn
Waiting for the morning horn
Coffee sludge in a chipped white mug
Regulars laugh and shake the rug
Out back where the rusted parts lay
Footsteps measure the end of day
Postcard counts boots in the overgrown grass
Watching the summer seasons pass
Faded picture corners torn
Waiting for the morning horn
Spike holds tight through the wind and rain
Sun-bleached edges sticky stain
Twenty years since the mail truck came
Address smeared forgot the name
Postcard counts boots in the overgrown grass
Watching the summer seasons pass
Faded picture corners torn
Waiting for the morning horn
Workshop door slams metal sighs
Kickstand drops the engine dies
Wrench set clatters on the concrete floor
Footsteps walk right past my door
No stamp needed for this view
Just grease and grit and morning dew
I don't speak I don't complain
Just count the boots through sun and rain
Shift ends slow the grill goes cold
Story etched in the cardboard fold
One more pair kicks the weeds aside
No place left for me to hide
Postcard counts boots in the overgrown grass
Watching the summer seasons pass
Faded picture corners torn
Waiting for the morning horn
Ink fades out on the cardboard spine
Last boot crunch on the assembly line