The worn out shoe

exploring the perspective of an endless journey through the eyes of a refugee's shoe. A silent witness to chaos, carrying its owner through despair, with the hope of someday finding the simple luxury

My soles are bleeding and my tongues are torn out

Walked for miles, to see the sun shine and still we aren’t free

Torn in the sides and dirty and old

Yet I am his least of the concerns

The legs inside me as thin as sticks

And yet they walk for miles on end

 

No food, no water, no place to go

Just misery, agony, and debris of hope

The foot so tired but the walk goes on

Yearning for freedom, groping fireflies in the dark

 

Everyone’s dead just I and my owner

I below his feet, him below everyone else’s.

Cries and yelps for his wife and son

I get drenched in his tears but dry quickly in this searing sun

 

No more can I walk, but it is my duty to

As I am the only luxury he now owns

My friends are out there walking on shiny marble floors

Complaining about how their heels aren’t as tall

 

 

I am stuck here trying to get him free

From all this pain not a single goodnight’s sleep

Maybe out there he will have something to eat

Everyone either left or sick or killed

But I his dearest friend swear to never leave.

 

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

Best of luck to refugees in these times and places; they were welcome many moons ago, but now now; they are despised by the elite and their blind followers. They were an asset to societies, countries but now they are a liability.
World has changed.
No empathy or respect to anyone unless to the filthy rich, powerful dictators.
I believe in legal immigration. We should have worker's programs where people can come and work temporarily, have information on them, pay taxes, follow the law, help businesses prosper and so forth. Saudi and gulf states had done that for ages with the Indians, Pakistanis, Bengals and so forth. They built them vibrant economies.

[sailesh]

Exactly, they are all people everyone deserves a chance for a better life. It is so heartbreaking, the fact that we live in a world where world peace is considered a fairytale instead of bare minimum.

[Sami Khalil]

I agree wholeheartedly. You are so right.

[Wanzala Meshack]

This poem is truly profound and deeply moving. The perspective of the. The vivid imagery and raw emotions captured in the poem beautifully reflect the resilience and hope that keeps people going in the face of adversity. The metaphor of the shoe, carrying its owner through despair with the hope of finding simple luxuries, is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Thank you for sharing this poignant piece; it’s a touching tribute to the strength and perseverance of those who endure such challenges.

[JayG]

Very powerful, and to the point. well done.

[emmajoygreen]

Heartbreaking experiences, felt head, heart and foot/feet - every step shared, every step pain.

'No food, no water, no place to go
Just misery, agony, and debris of hope
The foot so tired but the walk goes on
Yearning for freedom, groping fireflies in the dark'

the mention of groping fireflies - their fragility and presence, adds such sadness to your tragedy.

[sailesh]

I was inspired by the book 'A thousand splendid suns' by Khaled Hosseini to write this. That book is so gut-wrenching.

[emmajoygreen]

How very true.. yes.