New Shoes
Everyone has the same shoes here,
It’s all about the brand.
I’ve told my mum I need them too,
She doesn’t understand.
She says they’re too expensive,
my feet are growing fast.
She’d rather get a cheaper pair
as school shoes never last.
Mum says I’m like a caterpillar,
wearing out my heels,
that when I’ve got my own kids,
I’ll know how she feels.
My footwear’s not the same as yours
but my shoes are smart.
I’ve got caterpillar legs
and a butterfly heart.
It’s all about the brand.
I’ve told my mum I need them too,
She doesn’t understand.
She says they’re too expensive,
my feet are growing fast.
She’d rather get a cheaper pair
as school shoes never last.
Mum says I’m like a caterpillar,
wearing out my heels,
that when I’ve got my own kids,
I’ll know how she feels.
My footwear’s not the same as yours
but my shoes are smart.
I’ve got caterpillar legs
and a butterfly heart.
This poem is copyright (©) Emma Phillips 2026
About the Writer
Emma Phillips
Emma is a poet, short fiction writer, mum and teacher from Devon. She lives near the M5, which sometimes lures her off on adventures. She has been writer-in-residence at Tiverton Museum for 2024-2025 where she has enjoyed scribbling away between the Wool Trade and the Stocks. She is hopelessly addicted to crisps.
