her boots

she wants to show you her boots.
see, she says,
opening one closet
after another,
pulling the string
to the bulb above.
she waves her hand across
the boots lined on the shelves,
on the floor,
some still in boxes.
see how many I have.
every color.
but mostly black and brown.
but wait,
there's more.
she opens another door,
and shows you more.
I love my boots,
she says.
I know they all look the same,
but they're different
if you look closely
at them. some are pointed
while others are flat toed.
I have different brands.
different leather.
made in different countries.
she smiles, and turns
the light off. closes the door.
I love boots, she says,
smiling as brightly as
any child could do.