~MAXIANNE
BERGER~
CHILDLESS
AT THE SHOESTORE
Shoes on the shelf. Finger
the smooth
grain of navy Buster Browns, the
soft
suede nap of red high-top booties:
pull their orange laces tight in
a bow.
Scrutinize your own crow's feet
reflected in black patent Mary Janes.
Chuckle at Nikes and Reeboks
sized so small, two fit in one hand.
Squint at less familiar names: BabyBotte,
Start Rite and Bambini Moda.
Brand
new shoes anxious for first steps;
eager
toes itching to get scuffed; shoes
still on the shoestore shelf; shoes
empty of feet.
© by Maxianne Berger
