In Your Shoes

                  In Your Shoes

Looking through your eyes, how you look at life.

Seeing your pain, the misery and the strife.

Walking in your shoes, for just a few days.

Feeling all of the pain...that forever stays.

Viewing the world, from the bed you lie on.

Seeing your desperation, your wish to be strong.

Feeling the tears, as they fall from your eyes.

Seeing all of your reasons, for living in lies.

Feeling your heart... as it is breaking in two.

Seeing how others react, to the mere sight of you.

Sensing your loss... of a familiar... loving touch.

You're taking so little... but longing for so much.

Looking at the world, as it looks back at you.

Distain on the faces, that seem so uncouth.

Looking through your eyes, and seeing the face,

Of someone above... you putting you into place.

Letting my body... absorb all of your pain.

Wishing to never feel, this way ever again.

Thinking how you do... as well as you do.

Wondering how...they could do this to you?

A few days in...your heart, body and mind;

Walking in your shoes, to see what I'd find.

Knowing what you are, is not completely your fault.

Part of the wrong, is how both sides were taught.

Finding compassion for all that makes up you.

But for the grace of God, it could be me...

           Walking in your shoes.

                    Valentine

Author's Note

Stopping to take the time to see someone besides myself. Not all sites are pleasant.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

how interesting ... your ... protagonist #2 i suppose .. is found to be full of the same dichotomy and a relevant past as we all do ... its almost like finding one's self ...walking in another's shoes .. i like this a lot Valentine! ... i came looking for something new and to see what you are up to .. hope all is well ... took me a while to find one i had not read yet and it was worth the time .. we so need to understand where our neighbors are coming from when they say and do things we might not like nor agree with .. understanding can go a long way says i! ;) peace and joy to you ... hope you are well!
E.

[D Connolly]

Its so important to take moments like this, where we stop being so self centered and consumed, and see other people's perspectives. Perhaps if this was a frequent and common practice, we would see a little more compassion in the world. Great idea to live by Valentine. I hope you're well these days.
D

[Coyote Poetry]

Great wisdom shared dear friend.
"A few days in...your heart, body and mind;
Walking in your shoes, to see what I'd find.
Knowing what you are, is not completely your fault."
The above lines. The words to be lived by. Thank you for sharing for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote
Part of the wrong, is how both sides were taught.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, if we look at the world through another's eyes, we realize how lucky we are and how things could be quite different for us. The compassion in this write is wonderful. lydi**

[Valentine]

Lydia, we seem to be a throw away nation. Too many here throw away their own lives when turning to drugs, alcohol, crime and the streets. We might need a better family system, I just pray for the downtrodden. Kathie

[Ted Kniffen]

It is very difficult to watch another suffer and be unable to help.

[Valentine]

Ted, many just do not want to be helped, they think you are getting into their business. Kathie

[Bacchus]

Empathy is one thing
but shoes are another
because our feet just
don't fit quite right-
must fall into a different
grove or pattern to understand
completely and get that real
glimpse.

[Valentine]

Having had seizures for ten years, and a few happening in public, seeing and hearing the people as I came conscious again led to this write. Some people are very cruel. Kathie

[Bacchus]

wow- so amazing
thank you so much for sharing.
may we continue to empathize and
grow into walking into shoes we
don't yet understand at all.
i have writing about being sick as well.
thank you, kathie.

[Valentine]

Hope you get better. Kathie

[Art Sun]

it is when we walk within anothers shoes where we find even the deepest of thought...sometimes it is not the beauty of life but the turmoil and sadness that can awaken us to Lifes experience of another...nice work Valentine...

[Valentine]

Thank you Art. It is easy to look down on others when we do not know their reasons for being where they are. Kathie

[FIN]

This change of perspective was a powerfully needed expression to be shared.

Not all people carry the same kinds of pain; and some, unfortunately bear more than others.

This peice brings compassion out of me for others who struggle, me being humanistic in nature.

I really enjoyed this piece, but you tend to one style or approach to writing poetry, I noticed (not that it's at all bad) but do you wish to delve deeper into the art, besides the recurring layouts and presentation and patterns of rhythm and rhyme of your writings?

The answer may well be no, which is awesome! You found your self a lovely space to be in which has much potential to capture any kind of poetic expression... curious is all.

Or possibly I haven't been introduced to any other flavors of yours... I don't know.

Much love,

LR

[Omikron]

Such a simple poem with a very powerful message, it's very elegant and classic, yet you really let your personality and thoughts shine through in the best way. I have read it now at least three times because I simply love it, and it sure gives you something to think about. One of the best depictions of empathy according to me. Great job!

// O

[Giulia King]

Lovely poem as always Kathie!