barefoot

she stood barefoot;

flexing her pygmy toes in

her mother's

winter slippers-

smooth, young,

pearl-white skin

peeking through tufts of

pink faux-down fur.

(chin up, close

her eyes, because

what wouldn't she

do to grow up.)

she stood barefoot,

flexing her calloused feet atop

her daughter's battered

fifth-grade sneakers-

rough, stiffened,

mildew grey skin

nestled in the knots of

frayed purple shoelaces.

(chin tucked, close

her eyes, because

she'd do anything

to go back.)