distressingly cheap and bright
my new shoes
falsely shining, uncomfort-
able too
will last longer than you
(i just have this feeling)
but i can break them in
as i follow you around,
my boxy toes step on the
blobby heels of your shadow,
retreating from me
relentless
ignorant
cruel. i can slip so silently
about in my crepy soles
and you can't hear me
you can't even tell i was with you
can you? you can't
even hear me breathe. they pinch.
they remind me
of the consequence of appearances
and the truth of feeling.
5/29/96