#92. THE SHOE TREE
In a small tree just south of the Fountain hangs a story. A pair of black low-cut sneakers strung from a high branch; shoestrings tied together. Why? That’s the story. But the sneaks ain’t talking, so you’ll have to imagine.
Bullies steal a victim’s shoes and toss them up in the tree? A practical joke gone awry? Someone would have to walk away in socks.
These sneaks look simple and not expensive, so maybe the owner bought something better and chucked these in the air to celebrate?
In some cultures, shoes tied together and hanging from tree branches belong to someone who died. When the dead person’s spirit returns, it can walk high above the ground, closer to heaven. But I think we can discount that story here.
The next time I came to the Park, the sneakers were gone. Trashed by a Parks employee or a volunteer cleaner? Or salvaged by someone who needed slightly better footwear.
We’ll never know.
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