i was only thirteen

it wouldn’t be for a few more years until i’d realize what they’d mean to me

when i got older, i bought a pair of wide-leg jeans

and a lavender sweater vest

i put on my docs, i felt like myself in that

i wore them with flare pants and frilly blouses,

skater skirts and stockings

they were a staple of my wardrobe

i stood taller in those boots

i’m so glad i got doc martens for christmas

a pair of shoes that carried me to my soul.