so I went for a walk to a place that I know.

Ten Thousand Feet

A thousand pairs of feet step onto the platform, minding the gap. Immediately the carriage doors close, steel canisters of light disappearing noisily into the nameless tunnel. Slick handcrafted leather stamps impatiently behind novice neon stiletto heels, nine o’clock meeting urging abandonment of basic courtesy. Thoughtful bargain basement find, diligently polished, traces a hesitant route to a life-changing interview. Bewildered foreign sneakers hover behind, camera clicking away at the sight of it all.

A thousand pairs of feet clamber onto the escalator, the cacophonous clatter temporarily silenced. Relaxed moccasins with hairy shins mock grim worn-out backoffice wear. Yellow Wellies bully baby blue galoshes, while distracted maroon pumps worry about dinner and the refrigerator delivery. Encased plaster in loose sandal winces intermittently, stoic pride and project deadline overriding medical advice and common sense.

A thousand pairs of feet reach the turnstiles, magnetic cards working hydraulic magic. Grumpy work boots ponder plumbing intricacies and wiring challenges; flamboyant jack boots consider cappuccino flavours and novel choices. Teenage clogs dream of a future without obligation or responsibility; freelance brogues clip clop to a day of bills and professional promises.

A thousand pairs of feet leave the station, plotting trajectories on asphalt and gravel. Cultured gamashes greet suede sophistication on marble and granite. Across the road on wood and tile, sleepless slippers grumbles to unshod free spirit. Amidst soil and grime, caring walking boots toil to revive drunken trampled hopes.

A thousand pairs of feet march resolutely, saunter carelessly, dance feverishly, walking a thousand paths.

San©tu 17 Aug 2001

Blogged