Secret Life of Shoes

Saint Paul, 1 August 2005

Forty winks before the ides

On the Dia de los Muertos

Sugar candies and breads are

Molded into abandoned huaraches

Supple soles of the departed

Footprints desiccated in a day

When barking dogs go mute

Don't bury me in knockoffs

Of those dainty red pope slippers

Drop kick my sorry ass into

A poorly named suburban ravine

Blanket me in grass-stained sneakers

Gawkers may not cry alligator tears

Our return climb is slippery enough

Behold the ceremonial shoes

A pair of Air Jordans - unboxed

Half full with sweat

Half empty with atmosphere

Notes:

Days of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico on

November 1^st and 2^nd. People who have died in the past

year are remembered, their pictures placed on family

altars, and food and drink are offered for the souls of

the departed.