Shoes, Shoes, for Everyone

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!