House Rules - Sept 10 2023

 

House Rules

Sept 10 2023

The shoes are neatly paired,

lined up

like regimental soldiers

by the front door.

They are a still life painting

of dutiful waiting

as they sit, unlaced, at rest.

Runners, loafers, formal wear,

airing out the sweat

and sour fleshy odour

of tired swollen feet.

Soles

soiled with who-knows-what

from the great outdoors.

And inside

supple leather slippers

padding softly on the floors

keeping feet toasty warm.

They have been trained well,

strictly observing

the house rules.

The rigid separation

of “in” from “out” —

the dark hushed interior

from the cacophonous world;

the dirt and garbage and mess

that might infiltrate

this hermetic space

of calm and contentment.

The vestibule door is closed.

And the dirty shoes

now relieved of duty

are free to take their ease.

A rough crowd

these street-wise shoes,

who have seen it all

from the ground up,

and visibly wear

their world-weary experience.

So who knows what goes on

when they're on their own,

lace braiding

foot races

partner swapping?

Or do they, too, crave peace and quiet?

At rest

on the muddy mat

where they were kicked-off and left,

the stocking feet of their wearers

sighing with relief.