RED SHOES

First published in January 2021

I'd almost forgotten these shoes,
bright red with lowish heels
a touch of anarchy to my otherwise
uninspiring (mainly navy blue)
   headmistress outfits.

But last night those same shoes
dominated my dreams. My small
granddaughter, having recently
learned to walk, wobbled about
   in my red shoes.

She even tried to climb the stairs,
true to form, refusing adult help,
(she's a very independent child).
There she was in a tiny white dress
   my shoes on her feet.

Brought back memories, me sitting in
my study, complete with red shoes, a group
of unruly boys waiting for a telling-off,
But don't worry, she's very fair, I heard
   one of the old hands say.

What better accolade for any Head?