You used to clomp around in
My old high-heeled shoes.
Practicing to be grown-up
I laughed because your feet
barely filled the front of the shoe.
I wondered how long before
your tiny feet would fill the shoes completely
And off you'd go,
lightly tripping,
In grown-up, high-heeled shoes.
I watch you walk away today
Out the door with your young man,
Your high-heeled shoes staccato
as they tap your leaving on the front walk.
And I wonder ...
You stepped into my shoes to practice being a woman --
What lessons were tucked in the toes?
