Put yourself in my shoes

Be careful where you point, you might one day find yourself on the opposite end of that finger

Put yourself in my shoes

Jack Ivey

 

 

Dark and dank the alley way

Cardboard boxes strewn the lot

Days are night for those who sleep

The others, well they just forgot

 

Vodka bottles, paper bags

Own this life in constant need

Billowed out like last year’s smoke

Shadows of the master’s greed

 

Gaping holes beneath my shoes

Clothing less than second hand

Nothing more that I can lose

Someone’s vision of the plan

 

Trash provides the evening meal

Wrapped like presents from the sky

No use showing how you feel

As the others wander by

 

Still the freedom I request

Finds my senses surely shine

Some may see this as a test

I accept it all as mine

 

Stare at me oh if you will

Point with fingers manicured

Laugh as if the jokes did spill

You’ve no thought what I’ve endured

 

With your pastel polo shirts

Branded jeans with fancy names

Traffic jams of just desserts

Honking horns in mad refrain

 

A frown determined on your face

Mindless thoughts that make no sense

Climbing ladders to that place

At another's sad expense

 

Busy as the day is long

Running here and rushing far

Remember this, my hurried friend

I once stood right where you are

 

Snicker if you think you should

Someday soon you just might choose

When the going proves too much

To put yourself into my shoes

Author's Note

Think before you laugh

Reviews

[s y e]

You speak such truth in your words Jackomantic. Your poems always inspire me, I want to be like you when I grow up. :)>

If I am like you and Frieda then I'll be happy. A thought provoking piece.

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much. You are digging in the old pile now. I am thrilled you enjoyed this.

[Cassie]

This is so true, a truly teaching piece of poetry. thank you for sharing

[Jack...]

Thank you so very much Sunshine. I truly do appreciate you.

[Carolann Dowsett]

Wonderful poem brings the reader into the heart of the homeless and the suffering that they endure. So many think they are above this but you are right, especially these days the streets are never that far away from anyone.

[Jack...]

Thank you very much for your nice comments

[Carolann Dowsett]

Welcome :)

[Michael Kevin Spencer]

Great topic, pretty moving. The fear of poverty is burriend in us all, but how wel handle the adversity of our lives is a major part of our life stories.

[Jack...]

Thanks so much

[KAOlmsted]

I can't remember a single time in my entire life when I ever laughed at a homeless person or anyone less fortunate than myself...it is unimaginable, simply because I have lived...a lot...been through a lot. The greatest poem I ever read? Not so much, but it really does carry a great message, so good on ya for writing it and posting it.

[Jack...]

Thanks and I was just joking about the greatest (he says with fingers crossed behind his back) :)

[KAOlmsted]

Ha! My pleasure ;-)

[I, Rene]

Holes in our soles. Everyone wants to be judged by their own perspective, rarely do they see someone else's side of the equation. Like this poem so expertly points out, walk a mile in mine before you judge me, wonderful poem.

[Jack...]

Thanks, I am happy you enjoyed it.

[David Scott]

We all like to think that we are considerate of others, but too often we must reflect back and admit that we have indeed been a pot calling a kettle black. Also, we seldom give the empathy we wish we would recieve. Human nature I fear, but a nature that can be changed by staying concious in our words and actions.

[Jack...]

I couldn't agree with you more, well I guess I could have if you said this was the greatest poem you had ever read, then I could agree with you um...oh nevermind. Thanks

[~*~Peace Keeper~*~]

I agree...we all have to be careful not to judge others because pride comes before a great fall.

Good Job

[Jack...]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it