I broke my boots in NYC,
2016.
Not the smartest first
steps, but easily
the most effective.

The price was impulsively
high—
an investment,
I determined,
for my overlooked toes.

We have aged
together
with lines on our faces
and cracks
in our soles.

I’ll keep these boots,
battered
by time and carelessness.
There’s nothing more loyal
than a good pair of shoes.