Today I bought new boots because

my feet hurt so badly

I limped so I was sent out

hobbling to the doctor and

leaning on an upturned umbrella

he said:

"it's sad you are young and

promising with unfortunate genetics

you should quit standing

and stop buying things secondhand."



I bought new shoes they are

hard and unforgiving and shiny

I hate them

as a rule I only own objects that have learned to hold

the bodies of other people

while I rest assured my imprint and damage

are secondary

I was never there or I was

a small step taken before laying in a heap

and waiting to disintegrate.



But those new shoes stand

expectant and hollow next to their box

I forgot they come in a casket

and grin proud of their youth

I am going to return them.