Changing Places

Put yourselves into the shoes of others. It does you good and makes you see things in perspective.

On life's short journey, passing through

how often do we try to view

the track that others have to tread,

as we eyes-blinkered race ahead?

A mother feeds her teenage son,

slow spoonfuls, till he signs he's done.

A broken body, sound in mind,

strong handsome features. How unkind

that he escaped the sheltered womb

to find from birth another tomb.

Imprisoned soul who can't break free

and yet I saw no misery

upon his smiling, youthful face

and in his mother, only grace.

Though caged inside his black wheelchair

it's I who sensed a strange despair.

With heavy heart, I lived the chill

of how she copes if she is ill

and felt the fears for her dear boy

whose love has given so much joy.

Reviews

[Neville]

This is heart-wrenching .. Nevertheless, filled with insights and with oodles of love .. Empathy is such an underestimated but fundamentally important gift, knack or skill .. not possessed by everyone, but really ought to be .. if it were, the world would be a much kinder and caring place ........ One of my first ever poems was called Little Girl in An Iron Chair .. I have looked for it everywhere but failed to find it .. Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. There was an incredible bond between mother and son. I have not forgotten it. I would like to have read your own poem on a similar theme.

Chris

[Davidgeo]

Sometimes what looks like an awful situation is still filled with no less love, joy and affection than a perfect one. Life can be so sad and tragic but it doesn't always have to stay that way.

The underlying message you convey here is lovely. Reading this made me just a little bit happier today. Well done.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you David for your lovely response. Much appreciated.

Chris

[Rye]

This broke my heart, so sad and very emotional.

[Chris Shaw]

It was both heart wrenching and uplifting at the same time to witness this. I was so pleased to be able to write this poem. Thank you

Chris

[Onlyme]

This really was a remarkable poem heartfelt and moving. A mother love sees no limits. And loves no matter what unconditionally. And like you said. Walking in someone else's shoes is not an easy task to do.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dawn. Yes, unconditional love and it was so beautiful to witness.

Chris

[Onlyme]

I could imagine Chris. You really do have a wonderful way of expressing your poetry and heartfelt meanings inside each one Chris. I value you as a dear friend. Bless you Dawn.

[Chris Shaw]

That is so kind of you to say so Dawn. You take really good care of yourself.

Chris

[Onlyme]

No just honest Chris, you have made a big difference on here WC. In a good way. Not bad of course. Chris. hugs. Dawn. And like wise Chris. look after you and your family also. 😊

[George Coombs]

Beautiful writing Chris; this caring and devoted lady gives somuch love and care to her son;I found the verse beginning "that he escapes..." particularly inspiring to read especially "and yet I saw no misry" this made me aware, again, of the numbers of less able people I have known who seem, in their special way, to give so much-I cared for my late mother who was wheelchair disbale with arthritis for many yearsand in all those years I became aware, sooften, of whatMumwasgiving to me-A well crafted and beautiful piece of work

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you George and I thank you for sharing your thoughts and your own experiences.

Chris

[George Coombs]

Your welcome Chris, pleased to meet you also

[lightsong]

if only people can be as kind and thoughtful as You are dear Chris, if only they can look around with gratitude, if only they can watch and learn from this beautiful boy, from his courageous mother, Your writing is wonderfully poignant, and has some really important messages, it might be us who will look into him and his mother with a sad despair, but they feel blessed, more than many many people who don't even have any real illness or problems.

Thank You my dear for sharing Your humanistic and caring moments with us, I was there with You.

[Chris Shaw]

Your thoughts are truly appreciated Light. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

this is lovely a very empathetic poem letting us see this in your poem.
I love this well done

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Julie. Pleased you enjoyed the read.

Chris

[Richard M]

A great write Chris. Well done to put this view out there! I have from time to time over the years, gone to many hospitals and care facilities and seen all manner of disability and the care by family and friends. I too, have thought that same question innumerable times.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Richard. I appreciate your response.

Chris

[Lorry]

Superb. All too often we think that stepping into anothers shoes is to say "Oh, that's a shame", then walk away and forget it as instantly as it is out of sight. But to truly step into anothers shoes, you not only have to live what they live, but have all the fears and worries that go with it, no mater what the situation allows. We seem to have some rose tinted setting on our thoughts and memories too, as most people would consider themselves kind and caring, but how much do they really see or understand?
We feel guilt where there should be none, for most of our fears are truly out of our hands. At the end of the piece, they are still a loving mother and happy child, which says more about them than anything else could.

[Chris Shaw]

This mother and son really touched me Lorry. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. Really appreciated.

Chris

[Lorry]

You're welcome :)