Here I am. Sore, bloody, beaten-down, and embarrassed. I’m breaking in a new pair of leather shoes. If the shoe fits, wear it. But if it doesn’t, wear it around your apartment when you’re home alone. Do laps up and down wincing and wondering when they’re going to feel normal. Wear it up and down your block going to grab coffee or get a sandwich, limping your way home hoping none of your neighbors ask if you’re okay, to which you must respond, “yes I’m fine. I’m just wearing shoes that don’t fit.” Wear them when you have nothing to lose. Never before a long day out or a first date. Wear them with bandaids on your heels and bandaids in your pockets, and bandaids in your other pockets. Maybe one day I’ll wear them out dancing.
