Cinderella (Pre-Corrective Shoe Era)

by Patrick Sanger

Ow!
this damn damn too solid glass
splinters my feet
I feel my arches fall
as if their keystones were removed
“Are you all right” you ask
“Fine.  Okay.”
            smile
           be pretty
that’s all he wants
dignitaries need a pretty queen
so I grin and bear it.
OWWW!
The stupid godmother
must have bought generic
What I wouldn’t give
for corn pads, 
            supports,
a new pair of leather
ohhhhhh yes.   Ll-e-a-ther
sigh.
BUTTT NO.
clicktick clicktick
I sound. 
The damn things are unbreakable
The coach ran over them you know.
Silly me.  I forgot them

the coach broke a wheel

I’ve asked for new shoes
begged, pleaded, demanded, WITHHELD. 
But
            “I like you in them – it’s how we met.”
is the reply. 
SO. 
I wear them try not to limp
try to stand straight
regal…. 

maybe I can break my leg
            be wheeled about

DAMN YOU
   YOU SENILE FAIRY!!!!!

Don’t even think of coming near my child. 

- Back to Fiction for the Month of June