"She is very heavy, and always stepping on us with her large feet. I feel so violated. The toes, they are very ugly.

And why do *we* never get a break? Is it because we are slip-ons and she is very lazy? Yes, that is it, she is so lazy. I see the others hiding under the bed. They laugh. They are deceitful and cunning, all piled up in the darkness.

"Oh, ha ha. It is your turn again today! You have no buckles! You are too simple. Enjoy your day in the gutter, pumps!"

This morning she almost reached for our blue sisters with two straps that buckle, but we saw the hesitation, and then our fate was determined.

Every night we pray. Perhaps a heel will fall off and we will get a rest. But no, we are too sturdy. Like those beaten-down carriage horses with the dull eyes who pull the lazy tourists around, our work will not be over until we fall dead in the streets.

Such is the life of a shoe."