I saw her once
in Sheffield
carrying drinks for the band
whilst I stared at my shoes

Flame red
short skirt
standing on stage
with her best friend
It was lush

Thirty yards
maybe less
maybe more
was all that separated us
as she moseyed through the crowd
But distance was
like an ever expanding universe
for someone gazing at their shoes

I prayed for a miracle
to the fruit machine god
But my introversion
was not cured
so I gazed at my shoes

And that is why
I never featured in song
no ladykiller
Just a shy vicar who
went to gigs alone
to gaze at shoes