New Shoes, New Shoes...

I can recite only a few things from memory— among them; Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky, the 4-H Pledge, and a child's poem about shoes.

As a six-year-old, I memorized "Choosing Shoes" so I could entertain my mom, my family, any guests we might have, and my reflection in the full-length mirror. There was definitely some dancing involved.

Over Thanksgiving, I found the book containing the poem among shelves of gorgeous picture books I'm so glad my mom has held onto. Although I can recite the poem to this day, I had forgotten the illustrations. I think this explains a lot...

I definitely lay on my bed and admire my shoes like this...

Totally me. Drinking a large mug of Earl Gray and feeling quite pleased with my cute red flats.

Here's the poem in its entirety. I recommend reading it out loud. Dancing optional.

Choosing Shoes

New shoes, new shoes,

Red and pink and blue shoes,

Tell me what would YOU choose

If they'd let us buy?

Buckle shoes, bow shoes,

Pretty pointy-toe shoes,

Strappy, cappy low shoes;

Let's have some to try.

Bright shoes, white shoes,

Dandy dance-by-night shoes,

Perhaps-a-little-tight shoes;

Like some? So would I.

BUT flat shoes, fat shoes,

Stomp-along-like-that shoes,

Wipe-them-on-the-mat shoes

O that's the sort they'll buy.

("Choosing Shoes" by Frida Wolfe, Poems for Young Children, Illustrated by Inga Moore, 1986)