The Old Coat
by John Herlihy
________________________________________
I feel shame in that old coat;
I should just let it walk away.
That old coat keeps hope afloat,
Once presenting me in fine array.
Some old things I still do treasure,
With sweet memories urging me on.
That old coat, measure for measure,
Never allowed me to feel put upon.
An old coat as virtuous as an old shoe —
They both hold you closer than close.
Both know the joy and sorrow I ever knew;
They never give up on you, never say adios.
The old coat remembers the young man —
Tailor‑made perfection and fitting snug.
Such memories remain part of life’s plan;
The old coat still worn as if giving a hug.
The young coat on the young man worn;
The young coat never wears the man.
The old coat still part of the old man’s plan —
Who sears the coat, the coat never the man.
When the coat first tailored as mine,
I put it on without giving it a thought.
The old coat still tailored and still mine,
Still feeling young — now that’s a thought.
—
Copyright © John Herlihy
Friday 14 August 2026
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We were on our way to Fort Washington, my younger brother and I, to spend Thanksgiving with my twin and his family. I saw a London Fog factory store, and picked up a winter coat at a discounted price (second?).
In 1980, I moved to Houston, where a winter coat was rarely needed. But it sure came in handy, in a stylish way, during cold snaps. Still does.
Ron