You preferred your children wear “good” shoes
Sensibly rounded toes, laces for support
Well fitting shoes were a symbol of affluence.
After our feet were measured and a pair chosen
Your hands had the final say.
Mum bought me the shoes I really wanted
In secret, with money squirreled away from her food allowance
Shoes with pointy toes, a little heel, perhaps a zipper.
I’d offer my feet to your inquisitive hands
Then run upstairs to change
I’d tiptoe out but am sure you always knew.
This article appears in December 2015.
