These Shoes

These shoes I received on a sunny Saturday,

were given to me by the United Way.

A little large, scuffed, and frayed,

I layer my socks in an unusual way.

These shoes walk with me along life's path,

Where there is scarce food and no place for a bath.

These shoes walk and carry all I own,

I sleep under bridges, I am all alone.

Life's journey exposes me to pointing, laughs, and stares

this feeds my depression,

nobody cares.

My dreams are simple, but hard to find

I just want warmth and someone kind.

It was just last night about quarter past ten

I died in my sleep in a large trash bin.

These shoes are available, as of today,

They fell off as

the coroner carried me away.

Walk in these shoes, give them a try

Once you have tried you cannot deny

Judging a man before walking in his shoes

Is judgmental, unfair and something we shouldn't choose.

If these shoes could speak

They would say,

"The man only wanted love, acceptance and decent pay."

by Tammy Quetot