Alice Pearl

Another old friend is gone. 72 years into her life--gone.
Alice Pearl was the mother of old friends.
A registered nurse, she believed in keeping her house clean.
Spotless is how she liked it kept.
Alice Pearl never allowed anyone in with their shoes on.
She did not want to come home from a long day at the mental hospital
and have to clean house.
Only her family was allowed in at all.
And then only after shedding their footwear.
Friends of the family stayed out--but that was alright.
Once you know your place--we knew our place.
Keeping us out seemed strange to my mother.
She could not understand the reasoning.
But, I did.
I understood then, the way I understand now.
I am a very private person.
I don't like having my privacy invaded--
I do not like invading the privacy of others.

I have not seen Alice Pearl in years.
The last time was when her husband was running for mayor.
They hosted a reception for supporters at their home.
I don't remember going into the house.
The reception was held on a patio, around a pool.
That's where we all stayed, listening to the band.
I did not see a soul go in, or come out, with or without shoes.
I was paying attention.
Alice Pearl was there though,
but now she is gone.
To a place where there are no dirty shoes or feet.

WPCannon
1803
19 February 2010
Mount Vernon Public Library