Shoes, Shoes, for Everyone
Throughout my childhood I wore handmade shoes
By my mom, stitch by stitch, after work at night
With shreds of cloth tucked with flaxen thread
That would soak wet since they were not plimsolls
When I watched a ballet movie at seven or eight
I tried to stand tiptoe to play a ballerina all the way
And a new pair of shoes for the year wore out in a day
I was told to have flat feet at a general checkup
That explained why I could not stand high heels
Later I learned about delicacy and beauty of life
Hats and handbags, belts and jewels, and makeup
But never my mom, who labored all her life
Without knowing the enjoyment of life’s treat
Her shoes never went over twenty bucks
Once they went to town, Mom in a pair of leather shoes
Unused, every step hurt like walking on edge of knife
A hotel room would be heaven for a retreat
but the cost of fifty bucks hurt more than her feet
she walked all the way home, limping and blistering
yet never could grumble like a princess darling
now I own a shoe store, with all cute and cozy footwear
at leisure I watch the feet passing in front of me
In slippers, sneakers, deck shoes, top boots, high heels
What a life it is! and what a life it used to be!