The Shoes by the Door

They’re still there

where you left them

By the door

neatly

facing forward

Like they expect

to walk again

with you

inside them

I step around them

each morning

each night

Careful not to

touch

what once held

your steps

I thought

they’d grow dust

lose shape

collapse in on themselves

But they wait

upright

undisturbed

loyal

A small rebellion

against

your absence

Some days

I imagine

you return

just to wear them

Then I remember

feet don’t

come back

once the road

ends

So I keep them

there

by the door

like a prayer

with no words