Childish Things

The sneakers I have worn
Custom fit and tightly laced
Began to squeeze my feet and hurt
The scuffed rubber souls
Showed the years of wear and abuse
Like scars visible for all to see
The vamp torn and stained
Barely concealed my naked feet
The blotches of muck seem more pronounced somehow
They make me self-conscious
To the point of embarrassment
I fumble awkwardly trying to conceal them
The nostalgic memories play in my head
Reliving the discoveries and fun we shared
Guilt raised its head
To brow beat me into submission
Innocence clung to me
Like the strangling embrace of a child
Frightened of being ripped from her mother’s arms
At the crossroads of my childhood
I decide to go barefooted and
Put away those childish things