Honor the Shoes

For Natalie Hancock at the edge
of the Secret Labyrinth

-photo by mom, Gael Hancock

"Honor the shoes,"
She said...

Five year old wisdom
making her way
through the labyrinth...

Tiny feet skipping barefoot
over winter grass
while pink shoes lie waiting
at the entrance.

"Honor the shoes,"
She said...

And all bend down
and do so
as we enter
meandering spirals...

Prayers and honor
sink down to the earth-soul
as redhaired pixie gaze
watches from the almost center...

"Honor the shoes,"
She said...

As she tied them back
on her little feet,
finished with meandering circles,
picking back up the path
that leads us home...