A Shoe Story

I've worn brand new yellow shoes as my Polish great grandmother
pulled me along,
Velcro sandals on far off sands,
vomit splattered Airwalks in assorted airports,
desert afternoon blue Sambas on the tennis court,
borrowed water-proof work boots while we built Rainier's "Wonderland
Trail,"
Shiny black England made loafers at University art parties,
and Ja just provided my third pair of Vans(they work well with
orthotics,)
not regaled with dragons like the first,
or a subtle tan like the second,
but a breathing black and grey with civilizing streaks of maroon.