Dorothy’s Slippers

In the book they were silver

and the yellow brick road was the Gold Standard

which made the Bi-metalist Populists happy.

In the movie they are ruby red.

Some symbolists see them as fire, blood

and sexuality with a hint of danger.

According to a Buddhist interpretation

they represent the “inner spark”

deep within us

and a New Age guru suggests

they stand for one’s principles. He advises:

Keep tight inside your shoes.

Dorothys from five to ninety know their magic power

as they close their eyes, click their heels

together three times, and make their wishes.

The movie The Wizard of Oz celebrates its 70th birthday this year.