Shoes In The Closet Poem by Elizabeth Liechti

Two by two
In that shadowed secret place way in the back
With the magic door.
Black and white wingtips.
Dressed in a starlit glamour of pave rings, a live orchestra,
The dancers,
Reflections glimmering on the floor.
Thunderstorm grey rubber galoshes.
Menacing somehow, like an elephant foot umbrella stand.
Two pairs of trainers. Both white.
Faithfully worn on alternate days to even out the wear
And laundered once a week. No bleach.
One pair of Egyptian leather sandals.
Soles replaced, new straps that don't quite match,
Scented with attar of roses.