My Shoes

The ordinary, everyday life of my shoes

Some are black, some are brown,

some are white or blue,

some are old and scuffed, but

  others squeaky new.

Some are red, some are pink,

some are purple or green,

painted, sometimes studded too,

psychedelic as you’ve never seen.

 

Are you working, are you walking,

is it just a shopping day,

are you gardening or out jogging,

maybe with the kids at play?

Are you playing sport or

  dancing to the beat,

just at home in uggy’s or

  relaxing at the beach.

 

Each pair tells a story

  of the people that you meet,

at any time on any day

  along a busy street. 

They tell of times and places,

have stories of their own,

they speak of years of service

  or feet that have outgrown.

 

My shoes are as my jeans,

constant wear and tear, with

  scuffed toes, splitting seams

often devoid of care.

They may look a little shabby,

laces of different colour and

  sometimes oddly matched,

differently sized from the other.

But open by my cupboard and

  you’ll see there’s just one style,

those shoes are my ‘get around’,

and every step worthwhile.

You can change your shoes,

you always have that choice,

each pair shows personality, 

dimensions to your voice!

Me, I need to ‘put on legs’

  in order to slip on shoes,

but as to a different look,

is rarely mine to choose;

my footwear is determined by

  the callipers I wear

getting out, I have one choice,

the daily’s that I bear, but

  I speak in just one voice.

 

 

Author's Note

The fourth rewrite of a previously published piece :)

Reviews

[john l smith]

It is funny (not at all funny) how so many of us have these broken/missing parts. I still have my legs but have lost other parts
It becomes a matter of just dealing with it until the next part goes and then again readjusting
Like a bunch of old used cars
Dave B

[Richard M]

Thanks for reading and for your insight. I totally agree with you; our lives are about continually readjusting to things we depend on/that are around us At every turn we need to readjust!

[Sneh]

Shoes, I just love stocking footwears and I don't like to make old ones them, a part of scrap but my mum does cryptically.... Anyways, sometimes such kind of poems, where we are not supposed to contemplate much and just relax are the best.... Thank you!
Sneh

[Richard M]

Thank you for reading Sneha :)

[angel]

Me, I'm in a wheelchair now
With little need of shoes.
My lack of leggage disallows
The need for me to choose
Which of my wealth of footwear
Each morning I would use.
I just put out a whispered prayer
And, innocent of shoes,
I transfer to my wheelchair
And dust off my tattoos,
And I am off to coffee
And the comedy called 'news'.

[Richard M]

Dear Angel, Thank you for reading my poem and (((HUGEST, GENTLE HUGS))) in understand and respect for your circumstances. Take care dear friend

[barleygirl]

So you put on your legs! Wow! I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing (((HUGS))) With a profound neck injury, I also have leg issues, but at least I can walk a little wobbly while each day before the pain gets too bad. I wear the same shoes for everything until a pair wears out, so I never related to shoe fanatics anyway. What really opened my eyes in your poem is finding out how calipers determine your shoes. Most of all, I love the way your message carries a huge wave of self-confidence & acceptance! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Richard M]

Thanks Margie for reading 'My Shoes.' I'm glad you can relate, and in biggest respect (((HUGEST HUGS))) to you also. I call my calipers My Legs, just to be upbeat! Have been wearing callipers since I was nine. Not fanatical about footwear either, just thankful to be able to walk. Thank you my dear friend and (((MASSIVE HUGS))) for your journey xx

[Onlyme]

Richard, this really made me understand your situation and life more. And how everyone takes walking and shoes for granted. And how heartfelt poignant real true personal poem. Affects you and who you are. Brave, open and very honest meaningful. Bravo, thank you for sharing with us who you are. And stuff everyone needs to know and understand.

[Richard M]

Sweet Dawn, Thank you for your beautiful words and for understanding me dear friend xx

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Richard, while others fuss about styles of shoes and colour, you dear friend have much bigger and important issues to consider. Poignant writing but you show your courage here.

Chris

[Richard M]

Sweet Chris, thank you for your words and understanding. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you my friend :)

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Richard. Have a lovely day :))