Preserved

He put the shoes in the safe, locked it and paused
while looking at himself in the mirror.
He often gets confused
About the color of his own beard---
Which has recently become a topic of debate
                                      among his associates.
Is it black or is it more towards brown?
He thought...
But failed to come to any conclusion, as usual.

Years later...
A couple entered a dilapidated house
in search of a solitary place;
As they passionately kissed for the first time
The safe got opened wide apart
And a crimson red velvet cover
settled on their face;

The next day
A news was published by the
Archeological Survey of India ----
     "Awadhi shoes---a new symbol of love
     intact even after two hundred years."

Lucknow, India