I used to be one of two
way back in the day that I was new.
I'd sit with pride on a shelf all day,
smiling at everyone who walked my way.
My mate and I were a sight to be seen,
fresh, spotless, brand new and clean.
Until, one day, an evil man
leaned towards us with an outstretched hand.
He pulled my mate behind his back,
and dropped her into a brown knapsack.
Without a second thought he slipped away.
My life was almost ruined that day.

I tried to scream! I wanted to be heard!
But being a shoe, I couldn't even utter one word.
So I sat alone, trying not to cry
as I watched the busy world walk by.
No one even realized she wasn't there.
No one even seemed to care.
No one knew I was still around.
No one would until she was found.
At first I thought I'd rather die
than to be the shoe that no one wanted to buy.
But then I thought a little more
It wasn't such a bad place, this little shoe store.

What if I was bought by a silly, careless boy
who'd kick me around as if I were a toy,
Tie my laces into complicated knots
and make me go outside when I'd rather not?
What if I was thrown only to land with a thud
in a nasty, icky puddle of mud?
In fact, I never will be able to see how
I could be happy anywhere other than where I am now.
Now I go to the back of the shelve and stay
so that absolutely no one can take me away.
I'll always be clean, and I'm almost new.
For the rest of my life I'll be a rather happy shoe
I certainly don't like being alone
But at least I get to keep my home.

© Kaci, 98

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