Shoes

I watched you knot the laces of your shoes
On the landing, 'Don't be lonely,' you said
Predisposed as I was to the blue
I knew I would, 'I won't.' I lied instead

Loop once then round the thumb and then back through
'It's best for the both of us,' the war
Was lost. When did you you learn that? Back at school
Some other you, unknown to me. How small

Your feet must be to fit inside those shoes
What size are they? 'I'll ring you when I'm home.'
There are things you've had which you can lose
There are things you've never had to not be known.