---

 

This writing was accepted for publication in the 108 page perfect-bound ISSN# / ISBN# issue/book “Floating Island” Down in the Dirt, v206 (4/23) Order the paperback book:

Order this writing that appears in the one-of-a-kind anthology Forbidden Library the Down in the Dirt Jan.-April 2023 issues collection book		get the 420 page Jan.-April 2023 Down in the Dirt 6" x 9" ISBN# perfect-bound paperback book:

Order this writing in the book On Stones and Bones the 2023 poetry & art collection anthology		get the 182 page poetry & artwork & photography collection anthology as a 6" x 9" ISBN# paperback book:

Cinderella’s Lost Slipper

Deborah H. Doolittle

If only it were truly lost
and not part of this parade of
calloused feet, the bunions and in-grown
toenails. Not to mention the fungus
and sweat.

Hasn’t anyone told these
wannabees that it was meant to hold
just one specific foot. Molded
to her instep and arch, spaced to just
the right spread of her toes.

Still, these silly ones keep
jiggling and wriggling, jamming and
cramming, shoehorning their dreams
into their reluctant feet, giggling
at the awkward fit.

Ah, to be discarded in the gutter,
flung atop an ash heap, left gathering
dust in some attic or moldering
in the compost, turning dark
and opaque from the tannin.

But where’s the happy-ever-after
in that? For this saga, too, will come
to an end, fitted to its fair maiden’s
foot or smashed to bits in a fit
of bittersweet rage. Either way.

Copyright of written pieces remain with the author, who has allowed it to be shown through Scars Publications and Design.Web site © Scars Publications and Design. All rights reserved. No material may be reprinted without express permission from the author.

Problems with this page? Then deal with it...