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

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i think this situation you describe is proof of how circumstances just make people stronger...they give each other strength to make it through...love can do that.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

I think you are right Jacob. Love conquers all. I was really moved by the love those two showed each other. Years ago, but it is still with me today.
Thank you

Chris

[Derekv]

Great piece, and excellent imagery. It really gives us an insight into what we tend to take for granted.

Keep up the good work!

-Derekv

[Chris Shaw]

We do take many things for granted Derekv. Then once in a while, it strikes us, that we are luckier than many.

Chris

[The Night Poet]

A loving sentiment of appreciation where we sometimes don't.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to meet you Night Poet. Welcome to my page and thank you for your response.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You have described a heartfelt and poignant vignette in this poem dear Chris. This mother has the weight of the world on her shoulders in so lovingly caring for her disabled son. Your verses are sensitive with beautiful language and rhyme. It is so painful to know you cannot heal your precious child. But by mother’s love he is healed in his heart and soul. He is not a cross to her, but a blessing, as she is to him. Your imagery allows us to see and feel their beauty and ‘walk in their shoes.’Thank you for sharing your vision with us my friend.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Annette, it is so nice to see you without your sunglasses on. Can see much more of your lovely face. Your review is beautiful, as I saw the relationship between the mother and son in this piece of writing. An old poem, but that memory has stayed with me.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Some memories just imprint themselves on our minds. Thanks Chris, for your kind words- my youngest grandson, Charlie, took that picture after a day at the pool so I put it up for him to see. He also lost my phone- but some neighbors found and returned it thank heaven. Will put my doggie back up soon though- ha!.:))

[wordman]

i guess if we walked a mile in someone elses shoes we would sing a different tune

[Chris Shaw]

I believe that to be true wordman. Thank you for your response.

Chris

[¿]

Life's most seen part you've showcased here Chris....replacing ourselves into someone else's shoes ain't hard....but we deny to accept that it does good to us....
The way you described a mother's perspective by putting yourself in her shoes and felt her woes and joy is well commendable!!
Thanks for sharing this....Almighty's grace be upon you :)

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks dear Tahsin and for the grace bestowed on me as well. Your kind thoughts appreciated, as is your review.

Chris