Burial Shoes

I lost my beloved Grandma a little over two months ago. Ever since her passing, I’ve found myself working to a find a new rhythm of life. I wrote “Burial Shoes” in honor of her memory and in acknowledgement of my grief.

I cleaned my shoes today
Sensible pumps with block heel
The comfortable sort that can carry you through long days

As I brushed away the bits of Virginian Earth that clung to them
I realized this was another unexpected goodbye

Because cleaning these shoes
These sensible, comfortable pumps
Meant washing away the bits of ground that held me as I bid my grandmother farewell