Now I don't know how many years it has been
Since I met this marvelous man.
It was after a race that I had just run.
With knee pain and foot pain I ran.

He said he could build me a nice pair of shoes
That would fit my sore feet like a glove,
And he'd guarantee a real perfect fit
And performance that I would just love.

I then scratched my head as he told me the price,
But the pain in my feet was severe.
So I laid out the money for one pair of shoes
That might make that pain disappear.

About a week later, there came in the mail
A box from a rural address.
Inside was a pair of those new running shoes
That I hoped would relieve my distress.

I ran many miles in that new pair of shoes,
And the pain in my feet went away.
So I went to visit that man on the hill
To thank him in person one day.

He showed me around in his quaint little shop;
A man who was proud of his trade.
And with a handshake and a smile on his face,
A wonderful friendship was made.

Over many a year and dozens of shoes
When I had some free time to kill,
I'd make that long drive through the north woods of Maine
To visit my friend on the hill.

He'd show me his garden, and we'd sit and talk.
I'll always remember those days.
I'd envy the view of the valley below
And his life in the old country ways.

My good friend is gone now. I'll see him no more,
But I know that his spirit's still here.
I miss his great laugh and his big smiling face,
But those mem'ries I'll always hold dear.

What fate has in store for us, we never know.
It sometimes takes loved ones away.
But whenever I lace up a pair of Bart's shoes,
His spirit is with me that day.