Walking through the school,
Very much aware
Of all the cold-hearted,
And judgmental stares.
Left, left, left, right, left,
Eyes one with the floor
Seeing all the shoes
That the cold ground bore.
Patent leather shoes
Reflecting her frown.
Kind snow-white Pumas
Not making a sound.
Scuff-free stilettos
And his brand new cleats.
His Jordans, their Nikes,
All going click, step, squeak.
Cheeks turning hot red.
Stepping in each square,
Hating life hating
this burden to bear.
Hearing clean sneakers
Laughing their soles off.
Walking down bleached floors,
Away she ran off.
Away from cleanliness,
white shoes, and purity,
So there’d be no more
laughter at her shoes.
They were dirty.