There is a secret language
spoken by laces and a tongue.
It is used by a woman’s woman
when she wants to find someone.

Ellen DeGeneres speaks it
when she dons her canvas “Chucks,”
but she used to say it softly
in her Hush Puppies and NewBucks.

It’s a subtle conversation
that begins by looking down,
and then slowly taking in
where her Doc Martens have been.

I have spoken with this accent
wearing python covered boots.
I have learned a new dialect
on a dance floor full of skirts.

Dad used to make a joke about
single women in sensible shoes,
but when he saw what I was wearing
he found he had to change his tune.

So if you want to tell me something
about what you wish or what you like,
grab a chair and put your feet up
‘cuz it’s the shoes that make the dyke.