Shoes

I was walking the streets 
Of magnificent city with elegant
Skyscraper buildings and sidewalks 
Enveloped in the veil of colorful
Blooming summer flowers all over
I was window shopping for unusual
Pretty things that I couldn’t afford
And I saw the most beautiful shoes
Behind the glass on a dark pedestal
They were sitting on a throne dignified
Like a royal couple during coronation
Elevated high with the light behind
Echoing an impression of sunrise
I stared at them frozen in awe 
I could feel soft brown leather 
To the touch of my fingertips 
I was devouring them with my eyes
Alluring color and texture as pure 
Perfection of shape and elegant form
I was glued to the window for long
Admiring the shoes and etching
The image of beauty in my soul
I desired the shoes more than I
Desired anything else before
But I knew I couldn’t afford them
Anger boiled down my throat 
I hated this unfair petty world
That gave so much to some
And almost nothing to others

All I could think is the leather
Softer than a baby’s feet
That never walked before
I strolled away sad and upset
Overwhelmed by the feelings
Of misery anger, and despair
I crossed the major square
Suddenly I heard a loud scream
And a squeaking noise coming
From the tall building corner
I run towards it and just before
I reached the edge of the street
On a black asphalt I saw 
A pool of blood and the shoes
The same ones I admired 
Just a few moments ago
I was taken aback by the power
Of the image in front of my eyes
All I could see were colors
Bright red color of blood
Pitch black matte of asphalt 
And soft brown silky leather
I stood there hypnotized 
but then I was awakened 
By something else
That have not noticed yet
I saw a young man without legs
Laying on a dirty dark cement
A few feet away from beautiful
Soft brown leather shoes soaked 
In blood in dark gothic pattern

I saw a man who will no longer
Need the shoes I desired so much
I walked away quiet and ashamed
I no longer wanted the shoes
I cried and tears run down my face
Sad for the man, who had no legs

Copyright © Ruta Skendeliene | Year Posted 2019

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