visions

worn

those shoes,

when was last you wore them?

they fray at the sides

the color fades

they strain at the seams

the laces are threads,

yet i recall you wearing them

never before.

new pair, or

old pair?

that's the question.

you sigh when i ask you this.

you trace the sideseam

of your right shoe, looking

down, and you say,

they were my older sister's.

and i remember the truth,

that your sister died

a year ago, today,

and i simply take your hand and say,

she wore them well.

and so do you.