I am one. I have just started to walk and I wobble here and I wobble there, but have you seen my shoes? They are bright red t-bars that I refuse to walk in. I can’t walk and look at the them at the same time.
I am four. I rush around the house fussing and moving things like my mummy does from the moment she wakes up, but have you seen my shoes? They are black shiny ones, with round toes and sparkly buckles and I like to put them on in the morning, as soon as I wake up.
I am seven. I like to hit and kick boys in the shins so it hurts, but have you seen my shoes? They are white ‘Mercury’ trainers from the market, which have plastic soles that make me slide here and make me slide there. I love to run fast with the boys but these have no grip, so I am always last.
I am eleven. I have a lead part in the school play – I shine, and have you seen my shoes? They are brown ankle boots with elastic on the sides. My best friend gave them to me and they click when I walk. They are three sizes too big but today my confidence fills them.
I am fourteen. I have a short tie, a short skirt and these days an even shorter temper, but have you seen my shoes? They are black Palladiums that my friend bought for me because she is kind and she knows how much I like shoes.
I am seventeen. I am loud and I laugh a lot and I have a weekend job, and have you seen my shoes? They are black and blue Nikes, with a zip going up the middle. I can run really fast for the bus in these.
I am twenty-one. I am now the mother of a one year old, I don’t yet drive and winter is coming, but have you seen my shoes? They are black slip-ons with paper thin soles that fail to protect my feet from the frost and stones. Have you seen my daughter’s shoes? They are pink winter boots with fur lining that she refuses to walk in but they keep her tiny feet warm and she likes to sit in her buggy and look at them.
I am twenty-seven. I work here and I work there, and have you seen my shoes? They are brown strappy sandals which show my painted toe nails. When I get home from juggling life here and juggling life there, I will kick them off in favour of my black wedge shoes, which are more fitting for a night out with friends.
I am thirty-three. I am married, I have two children and I have a wardrobe full of shoes.