Host: Tammi & Students
Tammi is a middle school ELA teacher, Gifted Intervention Specialist and creative writing coach for her school’s Power of the Pen writing team. Tammi enjoys sharing her love of reading, writing and poetry with her students. Residing in Cleveland, Ohio with her husband and youngest daughter, she enjoys attending musicals with her two daughters, listening to music, and long walks in nature. She is the author of the contemporary young adult verse novel, Perchance to Dream.
Inspiration
At the start of the year, I assigned my sixth grade students a writing assignment in which they were to consider what their favorite pair of shoes would say about them. The requirements were straightforward: In a paragraph describe your favorite shoes, explaining what they say about your personality. We should be able to identify at least three things about you from your description. Be creative!
The paragraphs written from the perspective of my students’ shoes were often hilarious and very enlightening. I learned a lot about my students through a fun writing activity. A month later, I took the activity one step further. During our weekly Poetry Friday writing time, I had my students revisit their paragraphs highlighting phrases and words that showcased their personalities. Next, students took those central ideas and transformed their paragraphs into poetry.
Process
Brainstorm:
- What do you love about your favorite pair of shoes? What do they look like? How long have you worn them?
- List all the places you have traveled in your favorite shoes.
- Consider the activities you participate in while wearing your shoes. What would your shoes say about who you are?
- Arrange your ideas in a meaningful way to reflect your personality traits. Experiment with line breaks and dialogue. Consider starting with the phrase “If My Shoes Could Talk …”
- Your poem can take any form.
Teaching Extension:
- After students have written their poems, print poems without student names. Create a gallery walk and have students respond, reflect and guess who wrote each poem.
Tammi’s Poem
If my shoes could talk,
the flint gray canvas would flap,
“Hey, I’m her favorite!”
and
we’d pound the steamy pavement.
Find our way to the coffee shop.
Time and distance are no hindrance.
Treads springy & grooved squeak,
“Caffeine is all the difference!”
If my shoes could talk,
the rose piping would smile,
say “Let’s go the extra mile!”
We’d trek through forested parks & scale mountains tall
knobby toes cushioned through all.
Sneeze out pebbles on the beach.
At last, the day’s end has been reached.
But really,
if my shoes could talk,
they would say, “Slow down!”
Student Poems
By Collin
As a shoe, I don’t see many things.
Seriously?
I rarely get used during the summer.
Seriously?
The human called me the wrong name.
Seriously?
Sometimes I go to visit some friends.
Seriously?
I get bored since they’re playing games.
Seriously?
You gotta talk to someone, mate.
Seriously!
Oh god, I’m damaged. Please do something!
Seriously!
Off Brand Crocs
By William
If my shoes could talk
They would ask for a walk
If the shoes knew their name
They would have the store to blame
If my shoes could see
They would realize my fear of bees
If my shoes could smell
Well… I don’t even want to think about it shudder
If My Shoes Could Talk
By Avery
If my lavender, purple shoes could talk,
we would have long conversations
about the stuff we walked in all day.
I would feel bad because my shoes laces would begin to fray
they would be tired of bumping the volleyball
in the orange pollinated grass.
I would be proud of my shoes cause I run so very fast.
If my shoes could talk,
they would compliment
how good they looked,
and my shoes would be happy
when they are comfy from my thick, fuzzy, socks.
If my shoes could talk,
we would have a ball!
We both love shopping!
We would go to the mall.
At the end of the day,
we would jinx each other
and say “slayyy” !!!
Your Turn
Now, scroll to the comment section below to write your own poem. (This is a public space, so you may use only your first name or initials depending on your privacy preferences.) Not ready? That’s okay. Read the poems already posted for more inspiration. Ponder your own throughout the day. Return later. And, if the prompt does not work for you, that is fine. All writing is welcome. Just write something. Also, please be sure to respond to at least three writers. Oh, and a note about drafting: Since we are writing in short bursts, we all understand (and even welcome) the typos and partial poems that remind us we are human and that writing is always becoming. If you’d like to invite other teachers to write with us, tell them to subscribe.
“Solid Black Vans”
she left me here on
the bathroom floor
i supported her when
she spent so many hours
traveling far away — to
the center of the flipping
universe, 20-mile walks on
average per day
in NYC, and from one
gate to the other in Rome
i took her to the sunset
i took her downtown
i took her to the movies
i took her to Albuquerque
but today, she left me
here on the bathroom
floor, nudged aside as
she walked out the door
Pumpkin Patch
By Mo Daley 10/22/23
Today I busted out my old brown boots
the knee-high leather and suede ones-
Hush Puppies—
who even knew they still made shoes,
but they’re chic, I swear!
We walked through the only slightly muddy
pumpkin patch,
the cough inducing corn maze,
the four-bale high hay tower,
the rickety tree house,
the hilarious hayride,
and the precious petting zoo
filled with enough baby animals to make my heart sing.
And now I’m tired
and my boots are covered
in the dust of a well-spent day
whose prints will ever remain in my heart.
Mo,
Ahh, the places our boots take us. I felt completely connected to the perfect Fall day, romping through the pumpkin patch and making memories. I love how you reframed the perspective and focus in this.
Mo, what fun!! I’m so envious of people who do all the fall things in fall-like places. Here it’s doggone near 85 degrees and feels like summer!
I bet those boots are cute, just like you!
Beautiful!
Mo, I have the image in my mind, and a smile in my heart. That’s a fabulous way to spend a day for sure. The best shoes are the timeless classics like these!
Mo,
That sounds like the perfect autumn day! I spent many fall days at pumpkin patches and petting zoos with my children when they were little. These last few lines –“And now I’m tired/and my boots are covered/in the dust of a well-spent day/whose prints will ever remain in my heart” — totally resonate with me.
Mo— your day was beautiful. (although I hate corn mazes). And the last two lines touched my heart…
Mo,
Your poem is delightful and I love all the imagery. You took me on a walk through the pumpkin patch with you and I so appreciate it. It reminded me of when I used to take my girls 20+ years ago. I especially enjoyed these lines, “the cough inducing corn maze, the four-bale high hay tower, the rickety tree house, the hilarious hayride, and the precious petting zoo.”
Thank you
Ooohhhh! I am digging this poem. I like the part where you add, “I swear!” and with the exclamation point. The emphasis with this part of the line is powerful.
Aging Ain’t for Wimps: Footwear Edition
Cute, flippy sandals,
showing off freshly
manicured toes…
seemed like a good choice
for walking
three miles
in a parade…
2 X-rays and an MRI later,
diagnosis: 5th metatarsal
stress fracture.
Now my fashion choices
look much different–
stiff plastic
fabric insert
hard sole
loud, scratchy velcro–
meant to protect,
to allow healing time.
Really, though, I think
the main purpose is to
slow ME down,
make me not WANT to walk…
ultimately, I guess the
results are the same.
Blargh…
Julie, I’m so sorry! I fell last year at this time and I can so feel your pain – and frustration. I think the frustration was worse than the pain. On the plus side, you can go straight to the front is the line in the airport…..sorry, friend!
Julie! Ouch! Flip flops in a parade? Your poor foot. A poem is the perfect genre for sharing this distressing tale of foot woe. You can ink that boot w/ your poem to zhuzh it up a bit.
Oh so sorry to hear about your foot. I hope it heals quickly. The switch in description from sandals to boot helped visualize the change even without the photo.
Julie, your poem, along with so many among us “older” writers, reminds us of how much our choice of shoes means to our daily comfort – physically and emotionally.
So sorry to learn about the foot braces you now must wear, but I am thankful that you have the resources to acquire them. So, we’ll give thanks for that, and for the vivid poem you shared to describe the incident and aftermath of wearing cute flip-flops!
Take care!
Pride goeth, doesn’t it??!! I have made the mistake of walking in “comfortable” flip flops and paying the price. Love your rendition of the consequences. Heal! (Heel?)
Julie, oh no! I’m sorry this happened (but I’m glad that you wrote about it). What do they say, “Nothing bad ever happens to a writer because it’s all material.” I know that’s small comfort, though, when you’re being “slow[ed]” down by your new “fashion choices.” Get better soon!
Oh,no! That does not look like a fun time at all. Sorry to hear the fashion changes came as a result of an injury. Wishing you speedy healing.
Uh oh! Been there, done that. I love the optimism in the first stanza, quickly followed by that regret. I also think you e cone to the right conclusion- slow down and feel better, Julie.
Julie, I’m so sorry about your foot! Your poem truly spoke to me and reminded me of a foot injury. I remember the days when I could wear a flip flop and walk/dance for hours. Hopefully you heal quickly and that you’re not in much pain.
Tammi, thanks for sharing your students’ poems with us today. I’m sure they do have fun with this prompt. I really appreciated the end of your poem because it is so hard to slow down when you’re teaching. My poem today is a nod to William Carlos Williams although I stretched his form a bit to include some voice.
Abandoned
so much depends
upon
a superior supportive
shoe
laced with sturdy
binds
beside the abandoned
stilettos
saying take your
time
bones need to
heal
Barb Edler
21 October 2023
Barb,
Brilliant! I wish I’d thought of this take on the prompt. I abandoned those stilettos long ago and wonder how I ever walked in them.
Barb, we must be of “AN AGE”! I see the young one wearing stilletos again. I have a couple of pairs in my closet and THERE THEY SHALL STAY!
What goes around, comes around, but like the merry-go-round, I’m gonna let it keep going this time.
Thanks for evoking fond memories and confirming current decisions. :-),
Barb, I loved how you took me on a journey. That first line had me expecting one thing and then, of course, the prompt. Then I was right there with “superior supportive” and that “abandoned stilettos”. You had me smiling. Smiling.
Truth! 🤣
So understand that need for a superior supportive shoe.
Oh, what a wonderful mentor text to gain inspiration! WCW’s frame is simply amazing here! I love what you’ve done!
I sensed the homage before I read your intro. A superior supportive shoe, laced with sturdy binds…
perfect!
Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I had to abandon the stilettos too! WE ROCK in our flats! LOL!
Love this, Barb!
Barb,
I love the nod to William Carlos Williams. I can’t wait to show your poem to my students as we’ve used “The Red Wheelbarrow” as a copy change before. I love the integration of your shoes with William’s style.
So funny and true, Barb!
Wow! What a clever way to write with the two line stanzas, and second line being one word. I like this format and hope to remember to use this in future writing.
Oh, Tammi! What fun reading the poetry of your students! What a challenge to write my own. Well, here you are!
Imma Do It Anyway
Why doesn’t she wear me on Sunday?
All week she squishes around me, her Cole Haans!
I cushion the stair, taking her everywhere
But, Sunday, under the bedside she makes me stay.
On Sundays, she pulls out the dress shoes.
The ones still left from when she taught daily
And had to walk up and down the stairs.
Enduring the students and service staff stares
She’d stride across the campus gaily.
Glad to be out in the San Diego sun.
Heels too high for her to take a run.
Ah! That’s why I can’t go to church with her.
I’m too comfortable for striding!
I’m only for when she’s not sitting in a chair.
I’m not for her when she’s ready for the stare.
Of congregants wondering what she will wear
This Sunday to go with her work clothes,
Now church clothes. Who cares about those
Who cares about looks and not about books?
Oh well, I’m her comfy shoes,
Comforting her when she feels like the blues.
The blues that say, “So what, I can do it.
Imma do it anyway.” Yes, with her I’m gonna stay!
Here they are!
Love the superiority of your comfy shoes. They are proud with good reason. But I do sense a little jealousy there…
Anna, you’ve cleverly captured the voice of your shoes to show your daily routines. Your positive talk at the end is delightful!
Anna, I so enjoyed reading your poem! I love the sassiness of your title and the “who cares” attitude of those comfy shoes.
Anna, love the voice of these shoes commenting on a lifetime of walking steps with you. That “ready for the stare” got me saying aha in contrast to the later “who cares.” So clever and, as always, profound.
Sarah
Enjoyed how you wrote this from the shoe’s perspective!
Anna,
First, I absolutely love the title of this poem. “Imma Do It Anyway” totally sets the tone of the poem, giving the reader a bit of attitude. The bold voice of the comfy shoes, made me smile. Especially loved the last lines ..
“So what, I can do it./Imma do it anyway.” Yes, with her I’m gonna stay!”
Tammi, thanks for the fun assignment today! Loved your poem, and your students’!
Love the refrain of Colin’s, the rhyming couplets of Williams’, the colorful imagery of Avery’s — beautiful work!
My contribution is goofy today. 😀
To Protect and Serve
A flat, linoleum nightmare
spans the halls of our school
with no reprieve from one room to
the next:
Who will save me?
Tevas to the rescue.
Sure,
they may
not be fashionable or
“Work Appropriate”
[eye roll]
But
They rescue me just
as surely as
silver-helmeted knight
on handsome steed.
Together, we’ve
trod beaches
Collecting shells and stone
Walked endless miles
[According to
Mr. StepsApp]
and each morning
they receive my newly
young feet
on the heels of dreaming
as they help me
[sleepily]
navigate to the
kitchen
past potential
hairball
landmines.
How much do I
owe
these besties?
Could I ever repay them?
Wendy, I love your simile for the shoes providing rescue just like a “silver-helmeted knight”. Very nice job of showing your daily life, and I adored the lines:
“as they help me
[sleepily]
navigate to the
kitchen
past potential
hairball
landmines.
Your images are striking and relatable!
Oh, Wendy. Loving this besties poem for Tevas. Those lines about “young feet/on the heels of dreaming” is wonderful.
Sarah
Wendy…
But
They rescue me just
as surely as
silver-helmeted knight
on handsome steed.
Love this! They deserve the honor!!
So rebellious, Wendy! You brought me back to an in service we had about work appropriate shoes. Talk about some serious eye rolling! I say you do you!
Wendy,
Work appropriate shoes are overrated! When you’re on your feet all day, you need comfort. While I have never had to navigate hairball mines, I do remember navigating Legos of death when my kids were young. Wish I’d thought of slipping on the sandals for protection.
If My Shoes Could Talk…..
“I love your mahogany colored
coffee toes
sliding into me daily but I
have a bone to pick with you.
Why don’t you wear me daily?
You’re flying in the face of danger
while knowing I’m here to support you!!
At least twice a week, I’m thrown aside for
my sisterfriend with a heel or that little
flat dude with the strap that you slide between your toes.
Since you’re not under 100 pounds, you know
you need me to hold you up, take care of your spine
and help your precious back.
I’m vital to your existence!!
I get it though, sometimes. I have two expansive crimson
straps across your foot bed and two big gold buckles
to keep the flaps from flying and to hold your foot still.
I also have the crucial arch built into me
which you know you need.
Remember, you have your Daddy’s flat feet.
A podiatrist and your Mother told you,
ONLY wear shoes with orthotics.
Sixteen months ago, when you came into the store,
I knew I was going home with you.
You kept eyeing me, mentioned you were a
teacher and said red was your favorite color.
You took me home and put taps on my bottom.
Thanks for cleaning me, most of the time,
and for putting on that smooth buttery lotion.
I just wanna be that dominant
sole provider for you.”
Written by Seana Hurd Wright
Deana—this phrase made me chuckle: “which you know you need.” I could hear the phrase in my mind!
I typed Seana. Honestly. Darned autocorrect.
Seana,
I know that feeling of walking into the shoe store and eyeing those shoes. Love the way your shoes knew they would go home with you and the last lines “I just wanna be that dominant/sole provider for you.”
Seana, oh my, I love your narrative poem, and I can totally relate. You’ve captured your shoe’s voice perfectly.
Seana, I’ve loving the poems like your telling us about the value of “comfortable” shoes. Only thing is I’m not “comfortable” wearing “comfy” shoes in certain settings. Oh well.
you need me to hold you up, take care of your spine
and help your precious back.
I’m vital to your existence!!
Thanks for saying this so creatively and succinctly. That’s good poetry and Truth telling all at once.
Thank you, Tammie! I wish it was Tuesday, and I would bring this prompt straight to my students. I love how thoughtfully you present the inspiration and teaching extension. Your poem let’s me know more of you, but I appreciate the ending:
“But really,
if my shoes could talk,
they would say, “Slow down!””
Your studnets; poems are amazing,and they are so different! I enjoyed Collin’s poem with “Seriously? // Seriously!” twist, William’s rhyming, and Avery’s explorations.
I never really thought if I had favorite shoes, so thinking what would they say about me never came to mind. Like a student, who doesn’t follow directions, I talked to my shoes instead:
Dear Well-Worn Sneakers
My black
Ecco sneakers,
like good,
old friends,
tired,
but warm,
comfortable,
soulful
(and sole-full),
you saw it all:
rain, sun,
snow, streets,
parks, lakes,
restaurants,
and a mall
in different
countries.
Easy to slip in,
you are mostly
the first choice,
except for the college halls.
We stroll along a river walk.
We set on a long ride.
We go to explore.
We sit in a library.
We dangle in a swing.
We climb up the hills,
Run down the creeks.
Thank you,
dear, well-worn
sneakers. You
hold heaves
of memories.
Sadly, I’ll get
another pair
when I need one.
Leiyla,
I love that you turned it around and spoke to your shoes. I enjoyed the repetition of this stanza:
We stroll along a river walk.
We set on a long ride.
We go to explore.
We sit in a library.
We dangle in a swing.
We climb up the hills,
Run down the creeks.
Sounds like some wonderfully relaxing moments in your shoes!
Leilya,
All shoes should be
“soulful
(and sole-full),”
don’t you think? But I admit I am fickle when it comes to shoe fidelity. Only sneakers wear out before I abandon a pair. What interests me most about your poem is the walks through other countries and the stories your shoes could tell.
“Heaves of memories” – great choice of words.
Leilya, what a sweet letter to your well-loved shoes. I love all the We’s in the middle. I felt like I was watching you do all those sweet experiences. And I love that they “hold heaves / of memories” Beautiful.
Tammi, thank you for such a fun prompt and for your poem and your students’ poems! So much to enjoy here!
I love my ASICS and decided to give them some love in poetry even though I miss all the shoes of my past (younger days). 🤣
Let My Shoes Do the Talking
If my shoes could have talked
they would have told me
to listen to my mother
or at least take a look at her feet
they would have told me
red pointy-toed spiked heels
and black patent leather stilettos
would eventually go to Goodwill
they would have told me
the braided rope wedges
and denim strapped must-haves
would remain in their boxes forever
they would have told me
all the colors and styles of
sequined and soft leather Chucks
would abuse my back and ankles
they would have told me
to listen to my mother
and buy ASICS in every color because they
would help me teach and walk without bunions
©Stacey L. Joy, 10/22/23
Stacey,
Your mother knew what she was talking about. I had some of those shoes too. Also, donated to Goodwill. LOL! I often wish I had listened to my mother’s wisdom more, too!
Stacey— this is so wonderful! All those shoes we loved, all those shoes our feet hated. Your first stanza is so true, so matter of fact, so funny. We should listen to our mothers more!
Stacey, this is such a gem! I love how you bring out your mom’s best advice. I also love how you mention all the other shoes that you have but don’t use. Maybe a poem, like this one, will help me avoid buying more shoes 🙂 Love the image of your ASICS with a poem on Canva.
Stacey, I do approve of ASICS! Getting through the day is crucial and I love how you show your profession and the importance of walking “without bunions”. Very fun poem!
Stacie,
I thank baby Jesus every day that I did not damage my feet w/ the heels I wore for decades. Now I see the possibilities I’ve avoided on that TLC show, My Feet are Killing Me. Yes, you need those sneakers in every color. My go-to brand is Adidas, but I recently bought two pairs of AllBirds, including a pink pair. And can I just say how I love the sneakers w/ formal dresses trend, even w/ wedding dresses.
My friend at work loves her AllBirds too! I haven’t tried them but maybe I will. I know you are fine as wine in your sneakers and dresses! 💙
Stacey, absolutely! Our mothers’ wisdom is truer and truer the older we get! They were so right, right down to the shoes!
Your ending line is so truthful and made me chuckle too!
The Chucks always look great! But Teaching definitely requires more forgiving shoes! This is a fun poem!
Oh, yes! Here’s to comfortable shoes for teaching! It took me some years to discover that fact, and when I taught Kinders with all the squating, dancing, and moving, I did. Then my feet were singing! I love each stanza with fresh information, each starting with “they would have told me” == If only we were better at listening!
Thanks for the prompt Tammi, and the great poem and student poems. I love the idea of the gallery walk, too!
BootStory
“What are those?!?!”
I was packing my beef and broccoli
Chukkas for the beach–
“We’re going to Trinidad!”
“They’re for the beach…”
“They’re boots!!!”
“They’re timbs, ankle height
for the beach–”
NO!
I had a boot problem
And this was hmy wife’s
Timber-vention
I’m not sure when I switched
from shelltoes to steel toes,
three stripes to the Timberland tree
but my closet has stayed fully forested
since that day:
Yellow timbs, sky blue,
Cotton candy, black,
6 inch, ankle length,
Roll down, mids.
All season, all occasions,
Never dressed like the goodie-goodies
I liked black timbs and black hoodies.
You might catch me in some Clarks these days,
even a pair of slides (yikes!), but if you see a guy in some
open laced chukkas, strolling down the beach, kicking up sand,
just know he probably couldn’t help himself…
Timberland boots! Can’t go wrong there. Love the rhythm and humor in these lines: “Never dressed like the goodie-goodies/I liked black timbs and black hoodies.”
Timber-vention. Fully forested closet.. and the last stanza!! Perfection!
Hi, Dave! Your poem made me smile. I knew about Timberland boots, but never heard them called chukkas (my hubby doesn’t wear them), so thanks for a new word. I have seen a guy or two on a beach wearing boots, maybe it was you 🙂 I like the smooth rhythm and lightness of your poem. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Leilya, chukkas are the ankle high ones (great with long shorts!). And, who knows, maybe that was me!
Chukkas!!!!!! You do you. This is a great story told in poetry. The fully forested closet is gives me such a vivid image. I can see the adventure!
Tammi, thank you for sharing the process of how this worked with your students and reminding us how this type of writing also helps build relationships.
NYE2003
blush-rose-rouge
above crowd
peekaboo
teased piggies
leather knot
flare, sassy
vanquished spine
NYE2023
blush-rose-rouge
cotton fluff
gripping spots
cozy pigs
elevate
warm, snuggles
save one’s back
Stephanie,
Loved the evolution of your shoe choices from “peekaboo” open toes that “vanquished spine” to the shoes “snuggle” and “save one’s back.” I’m right there with you. Comfort is paramount!
Great contrast! Your details paint such a picture of both decades. I vote for 2023!
Hi, Stefani! I like how wisdom prevails through the contrast you created in your poem. While sassy with flare peekaboo shoes result in “vanquished spine,” we know that “warm, snuggles /save one’s back.” Lesson well learned! Thank you.
I love this because it takes us on the journey from sexy to smart with shoes, right?? I had the same idea when I wrote my poem this morning. I miss the cute shoes but appreciate our “cozy pigs” more!!
💜
Stephanie,
I’m with Tammi, I love the evolution in the poem and the way that you use those parallel lines and imagery to create the effect! The ’23 ones still sound cute!
Stefani, you had some two-stanza fun here. I love the lines from the first stanza showing the wisdom 20 years of shoe-choosing makes. From sassy to snuggles, and so many more. Love this.
Tammy, it’s fun to have our shoes talk. And I see that your students loved it too. Thank you for hosting today. Your poem is sweet, and with your word picture, I can see your gray canvas shoes with rose piping. They sound like some I would like. Yours and your students’ rhymes inspired me today.
My Boots Are Talking
Hey, we’ve just gotten started–
These desert trails are great.
Hope you don’t grow again
Or we’ll end up in a thrift crate
before we’re properly worn,
just like your last sole mates
The inch I’ve lost in height
has been added to my feet–
An unfortunate birthright
Denise, the unfortunate birthright line pulled this all together for me and had me chuckling, along with the “thrift crate” phrase. Thank you for sharing today.
Denise,
Your last stanza had me laughing:
“The inch I’ve lost in height
has been added to my feet–
An unfortunate birthright”
After having three children, my feet grew a half a size! My feet were never small and now they are huge! Also “an unfortunate birthright” for me passed down from my mother,
Denise— your last lines! I giggled at this and the thrift crate! You have one, too?
Hi, Denise! I am with the rest on the comments: the final stanza made me smile and absolutely relate to your “birthright.” I like the rhyming too as it add to lightheartedness and nice flow. Thank you so much for sharing!
Denise, such a fun poem!
Perfect choice!
Sorry about the loss in height and the gain in foot size, but hey, you can kick butt with a bigger foot! LOL.
Denise,
Wait. What? Your feet have grown but you’ve shrunk? And this is a family trait? I wondered how your last sole mate ended up in a crate. I learned a lot about you and your heritage in this brief walk w/ your shoes.
Denise, you made me smile with this humor of the added shoe size! I think what Stacey said is right – yes, yes!
Denise, I really enjoy your end rhyme throughout: “great,” “crate, “mates,” “height,” and “birthright.” And I love the use of “sole mates.” Great!
be careful
of the back
it’ll bite into
your heel a bit
because there’s
a small chunk of
plastic missing
so you have to
open wide and
pull back the
heel counter
before resting
in your foot
and watch
the tongue
because it likes
to curl inward
and don’t mind
the insoles
they’re a bit
worn but they’re
Dr. Scholl’s so
you’ll be alright
and I would
caution against
lacing them all
the way through
the top eyelets
I made that
mistake
and it nearly
killed me
and maybe use
something to
jam into the
toe box for a
more snug fit
and
yep, alright,
I know,
sorry,
you’ll
figure
it out,
that’s the point
of this whole
thing,
you’re right,
but
remember
they said
it’ll take
at least
a mile
____________________________________________________________
Tammi, thank you for this fun prompt and for sharing your mentor poem (and your students’ mentor poems) with us! In terms of your prompt, I tried to illustrate my speaker’s character by literalizing a bit of figurative language, trying to resole the over trodden cliché, as it were.
Scott, oh that is a perfect ending. I love all the “literalizing of figurative language” you’ve done here. We can all relate to at least one of those idiosyncratic issues with shoes. Bravo!
Scott,
This lines —
“Dr. Scholl’s so
you’ll be alright
and I would
caution against
lacing them all
the way through
the top eyelets
I made that
mistake
and it nearly
killed me”
— had me laughing out loud. Nothing figurative about the reality of maneuvering insoles!
a metaphor for life and truth for shoes! Excellent!
This prompt had me thinking about shoes in a new way, which I liked. I did realize that I am not a “shoe” person and do not have many pairs to pick from. So this prompt took a different direction for me. For those who know me well, you will not be surprised because of my love of the natural world.
My favorite shoes are
NOT
shoes at all
but
the soles of my feet
that have carried me through
life
thus far.
These soles greet
HELLO
to Mother Earth as
waves have lapped,
sand has caked,
grass has tickled,
pebbles have poked,
earth has
toughened.
These soles
CONDUCT
earth’s magnetism, elements, vitamins
into my body
producing
balance,
peace,
vitality.
These soles are
FOUNDATION
of strength
as I strike
Warrior 2,
Dancer,
Tree
awakening my inner power to
meet,
breathe,
engage
challenges.
These soles
with all their
tenderness,
callouses,
scars
are
MY SOUL-
truly just me.
Cathy, wow, that is gorgeous. I love the CAPS, which helped me to take notice of each stanza in a special way. I can see you out in nature barefoot, at peace, and challenging yourself with new poses. Those last words of love for your feet are lovely!
Cathy, I like your twist of the shoe/soul and the science element as well. Thank you for sharing today.
Cathy,
I love the direction you took with your poem. Your second stanza —
“These soles greet
HELLO
to Mother Earth as
waves have lapped,
sand has caked,
grass has tickled,
pebbles have poked,
earth has
toughened” — really spoke to me as I love to walk the beach barefoot. Your images exude peacefulness.
Cathy, what a great celebration of bare feet, totally my preference. I like the way you formatted this poem and emphasized FOUNDATION. The sensory appeal you experience while not wearing shoes is exquisite. I especially enjoyed your final two lines!
Cathy,
This is such a great poem. I love how you flipped the prompt and gave us a poem about groundedness. I find myself teaching in my socks sometimes and my wife is a barefooted teacher. I love what you do with soles and soul in the last stanza and the third stanza is my favorite, conducting the earth’s elements to find peace and balance.
Tammi – I too – think this is a wonderful prompt. Who doesn’t have feeling about their shoes? They house your feet and your feet take you where your heart wants to go!
Black Hight Top Converse Sneakers
My sneakers speak poetry,
They hop to the beat,
They set down the rhythm.
My sneakers speak in couplets,
The right one then the left one,
In perfect syncopation.
Back in the 70’s
My favorite poet,
Rod McKuen, wore them.
I got myself a pair,
And traveled in my mind,
Through the streets of San Francisco.
My sneakers speak freely,
Making up the verses,
As they saunter and sway.
Nothing can stop me
When I’m in my sneakers
They speak poetry.
Oh, I love those Chuck Taylors, and I love that “they speak poetry” for you. So sweet. I love your poem.
Joanne, this is so fun and the beat fits the topic! Have you heard people use sneaker-head for those obsessed with sneakers…not a new concept but a newer phrase:) Thank you for sharing today.
Joanne,
I can hear the rhythm and syncopation of your sneakers as they hop to the beat. I love that your shoes speak poetry!
I loved this poem, but especially this stanza—
My sneakers speak freely,
Making up the verses,
As they saunter and sway.
so vivid!
Such a unique perspective of your shoes speaking poetry. Great line-
The right one then the left one,
Joanne, sneakers
that speak
poetry – I want a pair like
that to accompany me everywhere
I go! I love your poem for the throwback too, and so many other reasons.
we all need those kicks!
Tammi–I love this prompt so much! Your shoes have so much to say–especially their recommendation!
High-heeled Shoes
I used to go with her every morning,
I clipped my way down the hall,
I made others pay attention.
I had power.
I reveled in it.
I raised her above the crowd.
Perhaps I was too arch in my pride.
I wasn’t as tall as some of the others–
They were contemptuous,
sinful sequins flashing
as they stepped out at night,
tall and thin.
I have no idea where they took her…
but they gloated when they returned.
Over-proud, those shoes–(still, I envied them).
They moved out a few years ago.
They weren’t good neighbors, anyway.
Insubstantial, flighty.
Good riddance.
These days, I sit on the shelf, bored.
The athletes go out regularly.
I hate them–those expensively aerobic braggarts.
They are laced with arrogance.
Their tongues wag when they return.
“Oh, I am so tired”
They set goals–
”Tomorrow we’ll go even further!”
They compete. They tie up with new friends.
But I know that they will be replaced
when they become down-trodden.
I can wait–they will move out, too.
What hurts me most
is watching short-heels as they go out every morning.
I once looked down upon them with scorn.
Sensible. Boring. Comfortable.
Commoners.
I was superior to them.
I conferred authority and strength.
But now they are preferred.
It hurts. I go out only
for the occasional evening
or maybe a wedding or funeral.
I have been reduced to runner up.
It is somehow fitting.
Pride was my Achilles heel after all.
GJSands
10/22/23
Gayle – I love that last line! Your whole poem is wonderful – getting inside the mind of those high-heeled shoes. What a journey she has been on!
Gayle, this is so clever! I smiled broadly throughout! I love the voice you’ve crafted here. The utter disdain, though, that the high-heeled shoes have for “those expensively aerobic braggarts” might be my favorite moment. And the “goals” these “athletes” set, ugh, “‘Tomorrow we’ll go even further!’” What are they trying to prove! Give it a rest! 🙂 This was a lot of fun!
Gayle, wow! This is poetry. You have created such personalities for the shoes. I just love so many lines–the tall high heels “Insubstantial, flighty” and those athletes “laced with arrogance” Just wow! And the short heels as “commoners.” You have knocked this one out of the park.
Gayle,
Love the competition between your shoes, especially the knowledge that the preferred one will eventually be replaced. These lines — “But I know that they will be replaced/ when they become down-trodden./I can wait–they will move out, too” — were so fun!
Oh, Gayle, your final line has me laughing out loud. Very relatable poem, and I love your adjectives you chose to describe the short-heel shoes.
Love this, Gayle. The power in the beginning, the envy in the middle and the coming to terms in the end. Yet there still is something there that the heels is hanging onto–that power and authority and strength. I like thinking about this feminine fierceness and how and why it does confer authority. Love the voice in this poem.
Gayle, what a lovely way to
give your shoes voice and personality! The athletes – hahaha what fun to even name them in this little high heel monologue poem!
Tammi, thank you for hosting and for this accessible for students prompt. I love Collin’s poem as it echoes my thoughts and eschews the formula. He’s good w/ repetition, too. William’s title is fantastic.
Shoesh
Since loose lips sink ships…
we walk in silence, our tongues
tied tight, our straps latched.
—Glenda Funk
October 22, 2023
——
*I don’t really have a favorite pair of shoes. However, when I travel I often purchase socks shoes. I’ve bought shoes in Spain on two occasions. My favorite pairs of sandals are from Greece and Thailand. I recently purchased a pair of high-top sneakers in Bath, England and a pair of leather Harris-Tweed ankle boots in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Glenda, this is a perfect bite of words – everything (every thing) said in one nibble. And I’m happy to savor it for quite some time.
From the title to the total of 16 words–perfection!
Glenda – Love the sound of your poem. Read it out loud several times. So much fun on one’s tongue!
Glenda, what a delightful poem. I love those quiet lips just doing their thing supporting your travels. It’s a perfect poem for someone without a favorite pair of shoes! But how fun that so many of your shoes have come from around the world. I love that.
Your poem is brilliant, Glenda! I stopped at the title for a second (“Shoesh”!) knowing that you’ll skillfully play on it.Every word counts and is chosen with great precision and care. “our tongues / tied tight, our straps latched.” – Wow!
Glenda,
This poem is a gem on so many levels. I love that it can read both literally and figuratively.
What a perfect metaphor, Glenda. Your word choices throughout this are perfect! Love that opening line! Very clever!
Glenda!!!! You nailed it and in 3 lines!
I love this over and over and over!
I like the contrast of the poem and the poet’s note here. I see some nice rhythm in the note and how the shoes and socks tell a story of your travels.
Love your title and love that you are using the tongue of the shoe in an alternate meaning – very clever, as you always are! I want to see the Scotland boots. They sound truly stylish and warm!
Tammi, what a fun prompt! I can hear the flapping as both noun (tongue) and verb saying, “I’m her favorite.” Please thank your students for sharing their work today too.
These Boots Were Made For…
hiking
originally purchased
because of their
amaranth laces and details
(but I’m no Barbie girl)
instead,
in stead,
the wide toe box
Keen is known for
drew me in
and the soft pliable material
flexed when I moved
(that’s just what it does)
they promised
none of those days where
stiff immovable leather
disallows walking
rather,
they called for exploration
pushed for the climb
until,
grime settled across
the deep rose –
sand from Monument Valley,
dust from the Cliffs of Moher,
dirt from Dunnottar –
and still they whisper…
Are you ready boots?
Jennifer, the grime of dust, dirt, and sand is a testament to the life you’ve lived with those Keens, taking in the world, taking on the world. I love the way you used instead and in stead here.
Jennifer–I am signing the song as I read your title! And I have such respect for those Keen boots that have seen so much of your life. What lucky boots you have!
ennifer,
Love the title and allusion to the song “These Boots Were Made for Walking.” When my son was little he used to sing that song all the time.
Those last lines …”dust from the Cliffs of Moher,/dirt from Dunnottar -/ and still they whisper…” paint a vivid picture of your life adventures,
and the final line “are you ready boots?” — just made me smile.
Love this – a good pair of hiking boots is a girl’s best friend!
Jennifer, I wrote about my boots today too. I love your allusions throughout, and the fact that pretty hiking boots are much better when they get dirty, and yours have traveled the world!
Jennifer, you just made me question if Keens should be in the company of my ASICS! This poem sells them, for sure! These lines made me want a pair:
Who else here wears them? That’s what I want to know. Thanks, Jennifer.
🤗
I also love this post! I’ll be using it in my classroom with my creative 8th graders. I’m excited to see their work.
If my shoes could talk
I’d shush them;
They know too much.
They’d say, “Don’t you know
that rhinestones are not meant
for chicken pens?”
But I’d wear them anyway
because the sound “flip-flop”
puts rhythm in my step
as I make my way to gather eggs.
Smooth, curved treads
carry bits of adventure
from late night treks to my porch
To play with scruffy little mutt
named Jasper that I rescued seconds before being hit
on that smoldering day in July.
They’d say, “Remember the day
you thought you paid
too much for me?
It’s been 10 years
and I’m still as faithful
as the day we met.
No wonder I am your favorite.”
My work, worship, and willing friends
Jessica, yes! I agree our shoes know too much and would need shushing. Those rhinestones in the chicken coop have me laughing this morning. I love that image that you bring! And knowing all too well that chickens peck at anything sparkly just adds to the joy of imagining you in the coop, dancing as they peck at your feet.
Jessica,
I’m fixated on the rhinestone chicken pen and feel like I need one in my life. Keeping a pair of flip-flops/shoes ten years is an accomplishment. How many eggs have they gathered? I need to know. Your poem has me smiling and thinking about happy routines.
Jessica,
I laughed out loud to your first stanza …”If my shoes could talk/I’d shush them;/They know too much.” Those words ring so true in the life of a middle school teacher.
Sounds like your shoes have been worth every penny.
The images you make are striking – rhinestone flip-flops in the chicken pen, Jasper being rescued, 10-year-old pair of faithful shoes. Who could want more?
Jessica–so glad your rhinestones are observing you! Your poem is a delightful view into your life–little bits of you. Love this!
Tammi, thank you for giving us a unique perspective today to become our shoes for a moment and ask of ourselves how we’d feel.
If my shoes could talk
they’d tell all my dark secrets:
sweets-binge hiding spots
Oh! I want to know those sweets-binge hiding spots! Can my shoes take me there? I need to find shoes that will do that!
Kim,
I’m intrigued! Love the mystery in the brevity.
Kim,
Yikes! “they’d tell all my dark secrets:” They deserve to have their tongues cut out for that.
Dark secrets, hiding spots, I wonder where else your shoes have been.
Kim–so much mystery in so few words! Your dark secrets, your sweets-binge hiding places. I want to know more!
Kim, your final line is absolutely delicious! Very fun!
Kim,
How cute is this!!! I love that your shoes hold the secrets of your “sweets-binge hiding spots” and all the other “dark secrets.” You packed a ton of wonderings in your haiku!
🥰🍰
Kim, this haiku makes my mouth water. I’m with Jennifer, I want my shoes to take me there too!
Bright yellow
A splash of color
that stands out
as my feet
pound
the pavement
Worn treads
Frayed laces
Questionable odor
emitting from them
They’ve visited
trails and boardwalks and city streets
they’ve moved pretty fast
And sometimes
very
S L O W
Grateful for how they’ve propelled me forward all these months
But it’s time to move on
What color will my next pair be?
Tara,
Love the humor in this stanza:
“Worn treads
Frayed laces
Questionable odor
emitting from them.”
I am also ready to move on from mine. Wish they’d lasted longer.
Tara, I’m chuckling because just last week, I swiped a bag of Odor Eaters I’d gotten him for his OnClouds, our choice in matching sockless tennis shoes. Mine already needed freshening! 🙂 Such truth here, and gratitude for jobs well done by those close friends of our feet.
Tara, my favorite lines are “questionable odor emitting from them” as it speaks to the wear, tear, and longevity of go-to shoes. And that bright yellow is like an announcement of here I am, see me as I’m moving and propelling forward (interesting that I’m reminded of signal lights and slowing down too with yellow).
Tara,
I have an image of yellow streaking across the landscape as you run in those smelly sneakers. Do you have a favorite brand? I don’t run, but I love Brooks for walking. I can’t bring myself to buy On Cloud or Hoka. Too expensive and ugly! lol
I can see those yellow shoes taking you on journey – wearing out – in good service.
“Questionable odor
emitting from them”
Love these lines–they made me smile in their honesty!
Hi Tara,
What a warm homage to your shoes! I love the grace in allowing them to sometimes move slowly. Cute!
Tammi — I am bookmarking your prompt for my sixth graders. Good one! (Although this year, many boys are suddenly wearing Crocs. Weird.)
Winter
snow boots
worn all year
but
I don’t
care
my feet
slip inside
with such
little friction
for quick
dog-walking
moments before
daylight
It’s all right,
though I probably
won’t wear them
to dinner
–Kevin
Kevin,
Winter snow boots sound cozy! I get it. Convenience and ease in usage makes snow boots all year boots!
Hi, Kevin! Thank you for beginning today’s poetry walk for me. I like the rhythm created by consonance transitioning from the third to forth stanza with the /k/ sound: little friction // for quick / dog-walking.” And the occasional rhyme connecting the forth and fifth stanzas sound so attractive: “daylight // It’s all right.”
Kevin, those quick shoes make us some fantastic home-only outfits, don’t they? I’ve often hoped our home security cameras never go public with some of the things I wear out in the deep country to step outside for a quick dog outing……I agree…..shoes I’d never wear to dinner. And what is it with the Crocs? It’s a full-on Croc comeback!
Kevin, my go to shoes are always about comfort and those that allow feet to slip in are just perfect (I won’t give up my UGGs for this reason). The tone reminds me of Williams’ This is Just to Say (an apology, not an apology).
It’s funny what kind of shoe we pick to comfort our feet during daily chores. I slip my feet
in fluff lined clogs, but I used to have a too big pair of hiking boots that I sloshed around in. They just felt right!
Kevin–the admission in the last stanza pulled it all together–some comfort just doesn’t belong at the table… This made me smile in recognition!
Kevin,
I’m with you on the Crocs trend. Can’t stand it and when 5th graders are trying to play kickball and run bases, it’s a joke.
I think if I could wear winter snow boots everyday, I’d definitely do it! I’m a lover of warm boots. Maybe ASICS will make a boot and I’ll be set for life!
Enjoy dinner (in your nice shoes)!
😁