To My Ash-Covered Granddaughter

For the granddaughter who works each day covered in ash, the old woman had been preparing for this day for a long time. A dress for her special night. A carriage to take her to the ball. And one final pair of shoes, finished with her own hands as a shoemaker. Onto feet trembling with nerves, she slips the glass slippers. Hold your head high. Lift your face. Step forward into your moment. Having watched her granddaughter grow into someone she could proudly send anywhere, the old woman quietly sees her off.