Advice From the Fairy Godmother's Glassblower, By Gail Wickman

Editor's Note: Gail Sosinsky Wickman writes and teaches in Western Pennsylvania.  Her work has appeared in such varied venues as America West Airlines Magazine, Mindflights, and Sword and Sorceress XVI, and was recently accepted at Star*Line. 

Tread lightly, girl.

Whether you stamp your foot

in gleeful dance or righteous anger,

your soles land on shards.


Beware the clarity.

You’ll feel well-clothed,

but your private beauty

walks in naked display.


Never, never lie about the fit.

No title, no wealth redeems

a lifetime of pinched toes and blisters.

Better off barefoot.

Image by Harry Clarke.