Hollow Shoes

Plastic high heels click
along the concrete,
echoing
the announcement
of this little diva
like trumpets.

It is time for dance class.
First ballet,
then tap.

The dress comes off,
the leotard comes out
and her mother
wonders who else
she will undress for
one day.

She will not be putting
her ordinary clothes
on again.

Instead, she’ll stuff her coat
with the plush puppy
she brought along,
because she likes
the company. She is now five
going on twenty.

And the Disney princess
heels will not fit
much longer.