I He slipped on a pair of silver heels for my mom to try on, and though she was past the time for balls and pageants— she married him anyway. II When I was three years past my first steps my mom bought me my first pair of kid’s shoes: brown and white lace-up buster browns that took four rabbit ears to tie— and a kiss when done. Iii When I was old enough to tie my own shoes, and my dad was separated and successful, he became the president of some big society. He took me to Brook Brothers to buy my first black suit and a pair of sturdy business Oxfords. He shook my hand, dusted off my shoulders and demanded that I stand up and walk straight. IV When I was well past old and wise enough to be married, my soon-to-be second wife took me to Frank’s Formal Wear in the mall to try on six tuxedos and groom’s shoes. We practiced waltz steps for one hour a day until our first husband and wife dance V When my mother passed away, I spent hours rummaging through her closet to find those old silver heels to give to the mortician to place neatly on her feet. Those feet and those heels raised on that satin golden pillow was the last beautiful thing I saw of her when the coffin lid closed. Oh, how they shined! Oh, how they shined!
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