Shoe
The right has only one option,
as is true of the left,
neither to mingle
nor disappear like washed socks
or loved ones in a casino.
There are those who believe
in fallen towers and pasts
burnished beyond recognition,
and truth, as it was written, for them,
in blood, with money inherited
from thieves. The puddle happens.
The door rotates. A snifter shatters.
The shoe’s approach defines its wearer.
O at the Edges 
“or loved ones in a casino”– such a quick and effective image–also “the snifter shatters”–which even SOUNDS breaky!
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Thank you, Susan. The words seemed to offer multiple storylines or options, which the poem needed.
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“or loved ones in a casino….” That is a funny line!
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Strange things happen in casinos!
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Here is what NEVER happens in a casino… I win, anything… at all! I would be a great addition to a casino’s staff, no one would win around me. If any of you see a flying pig or the Devil wearing a parka, you’ll know I have won something in a casino!
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I won $20 once. Unfortunately, I lost $25 right after.
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Awesome..not sure which pair I like better!
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I’m definitely leaning towards the blue work shoes!
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Those are my faves for sure but I loved how the others had plants in them. It was like they grew out of the foot funk!!
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Ha! I also thought my toes might be a wee crowded in that pair.
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What a wonderful write. And I cannot think of a more beautiful fate for those boots.
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Thank you. It certainly is an interesting and fun use of old shoes.
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Wow, nice post!
chris
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Thanks, Chris.
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Oh and I think I’ll do the same with similar boots I have.( Doc Marts?) Thanks for the idea.
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I like the idea of finding additional uses for items about to be discarded.
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Luv the images.
I think our shoes can tell alot of stories…like walls can. Our shoes can take us forward or backward…those are options.
Maybe we should put our wedding slippers in framed boxes. 😀
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Thanks, Steph. I think my work boots would share more interesting stories.
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Reblogged this on Still Another Writer's Blog.
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Thanks for reblogging.
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I love the shock of the casino line. I was enjoying the playfulness of the previous line, was surprised by the casino and then shattered with the snifter. Nicely done!
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I had fun with this one. The snifter line is much improved from the first draft’s, which read something like “the glass breaks.” Just had to refine that image a bit. 🙂
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Yes a snifter is so much more evocative. There’s a whole story in that line.
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This poem is loaded with ambiguity; I’m still trying to work it out but I like it.
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Ambiguity could be my middle name…
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Yes, Robert; I agree 🙂
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Very witty, this one. Where those socks go, I have always wondered.
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One of life’s greatest mysteries!
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If you want to know me ask my shoe…they have carried me home thorough thick deserts….there are not hick deserts for your info. only forests……am still down here and its raining cats and dogs..ask mu shoe…. nice poem keep up the good work beyond imagination. Thank you for visiting my page too. https://samngigeblog.wordpress.com/
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Oh, yes. Ask the shoes!
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Again, I love your imagery and choice of words. (And I love my shoes! Brown canvass Dr. Martin’s covered in Victorian roses 🙂 )
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Thanks, Carrie. My favorite footwear varies upon the occasion. Right now I’m wearing a worn out pair of loafers, which are fine for lounging around but not for much else. But it’s raining and I’ll get wet between the short path from the house to my shack, and a little water/mud can’t hurt these old things.
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laughing out loud here 🙂
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My work is done!
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😀
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What a great idea! Come to think of it, I have some old wellies knocking about 😄🌱
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I can’t claim the idea – the photo is from morguefile.com. It just seemed appropriate. 🙂
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Ahh well thank you for sharing that and your poem! 🙂
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Your tongue is laced with fascinating stories. Your poetry builds platforms displaying character and sole. It makes loafers look awful.
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Sometimes my tongue is leathery, and I feel like a wounded heel, as if a stiletto had pierced my big toe’s sole… 🙂
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I feel as though I may have started something. 😀 Should eyelet it go or counter vamp?
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Hah! Brilliant use of “eyelet.”
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Gorgeous poem. Each line might be worthy of a quote in itself – very happy to have found your blog! 🙂
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Thanks very much. I’m pleased to have found your blog, as well. Your “Well Read Histories” was much fun, and clever.
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it’s fascinating to follow how you take something as ordinary and humble as shoes and eventually build to some profound insights. it’s inspiring!
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I live among the ordinary and find it fascinating. 🙂
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