Snail Shoes Poem by Alicia Adams

(Inspired by a sketch by Salvadore Dali)

A man insisted on wearing snail shoes.

Why do you insist on wearing
snail shoes? the woman said.

I like them, he said. Since when
do you care how I dress?

You leave a slime trail, she said.
I mop this floor three times
a day.

Are you trying to change me? he said.
Are you trying to dictate what I
wear? he said.

No, she said. I'm not.
But while you're inching your way
to work, she said, I'm mopping all day.

Are you saying I don't work? he said.
Do you think you could do better?

You need to exercise, she said.
You're getting fat, she said.
I can't even look at you.

The man turned around. He pointed toward
the door and his shoes slimed forward.

I don't need this, he said.
You don't know what it's like, he said.
Try walking a mile in my shoes.

The woman picked up her mop.
It would take me all day! she said