If the Shoe Fits…

Occasionally it comes out of the drawer, this really spent old ballet slipper. My last pointe shoe, I only kept one, so I would not even try again, once over, a thing should be done with. Stoically as I try to approach the past, this memory, kept well and alive in the drawer, takes me in hand and opens a flood off feelings, loss, joy, the sense of flight only dancers and birds know.

So I put the shoe on the foot, and sat a while.

After taking a few photos, trying to do an old and dear friend justice, I put back the slipper, Frank’s masterpiece (of Angel Ballet Shoes in Toronto) custom made for my foot, gently tucking in the satin ribbon, and with my lip between my teeth holding back the flood of feelings again, closed the drawer on the past.

more photos of the slipper and other recent photos: www.fllickr.com/photos/aletteke or just click on either image.