Shoes.

Perched on the window,

the stained glass window ricocheting beams of light

onto the 

dotless

spotless

brand new 

pair of Nikes.

The clinging of bells ring– 

a customer,

pockets overflowing with wads of bills

rushes in, grabs a handful of 

fifties and twenties

and

shoves it towards

the cashier,

who gapes for a second

and leads the frantic customer

down a hall.

Sliding back underneath the tree,

a black husky  passes

teeth baring

wrapped around a thick, spiky collar

grappling around its neck.

The person dragging the ferocious creature

had teeth twice as giant,

a sheisty slung across his face.

The man takes one look at my bare feet

and swings his head to the other side

and spits the dirty word. 

One I never wanted to hear

in my life.

Scant.

My head turns 

swivels

tears drooling from my 

shattered face.

Where he saw shame

I saw opportunity.

I nod away.

I stare at the window 

once again,

mesmerized with despair.

Envy kicks me forward

leaning to my bare feet

toes sticking outward;

bare branches hanging down a tree.

Poked with guilt,

prodded with sticks.

I rush over to the counter

the window is innocently unmoving,

shoes are calling for my name.

I reach for them,

but is only greeted by the

resonance of metal clanging against wood.

The cashier steps out,

a dirty grin sketched on his hideous face,

holding a glock in his hand.

I ran

and ran

and ran.

I tripped. 

My heels clattered on the loose twig 

placed like it was intentional.

Falling flat on my face;

a hard thump;

the cashier walked by.

One look at my feet.

I walked away.

Stuck to the ground,

my heart thumped quickly.

I close my eyes.

Feet bare.