Lipstick and Loafers

​

They rest on a wooden box
right beside my bed
In memory of your long strong walks of grace and pride you lead 
The heels are worn 
from years of wear
A tassel’s torn on your favorite pair
They kept you moving forward 
even when it didn’t all make sense
For that, your penny loafers 
stay right beside my bed
 

I kept your shoes— 
don’t know what I’ll do with them
I kept your shoes —
now that you are through with them 
I kept your shoes—
you wore size six and I wear ten 
Too small for me 
but way too big to fill
You’re the mom I wanna be, 
but I know I never will
 

In the box below I have 
your Revlon Red lipstick
It became Dad’s honor 
to put in on you when you got sick 
Always dressed to the nines-
it was so important to you
He’d make sure that you’d 
always be you
I can’t put it on, Mom, ‘
cause I don't share your style
But, I’m often told 
that l have your smile
 

I kept your shoes—
don’t know what I’ll do with them 
Your lipstick too—
now that you are through with them 
I kept your shoes—
you wore size six and I wear ten 
Too small for me, 
but way too big to fill
You’re the mom I wanna be, 
and I doubt I ever will

Perspective sure changes 
as you age
You think one way 
and then life turns the page
I used to roll my eyes at my mom’s lipstick on my daughter’s cheek
Now what I would do to see those kisses where they oughta be
 

I kept your shoes, 
don’t know what I’ll do with them
I wept for you, 
now that you are through with them. 
I kept your shoes, 
you wore size six and I wear ten
Too small for me 
And way too big to fill
You’re the mom I wanna be 
and I hope someday I will
 

We toast to moving forward 
but we never really move on
I know you’re on my shoulder, 
and your spirit’s never gone
I’m holding on to your 
lipstick and your loafers, Mom
I’ll hold on to your
 lipstick and loafers, Mom