Shoes
My momma always said
that you had to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes
before you criticize them
But what happens, when the shoes don’t fit?
or maybe they are “not your style”
and you cannot seem to find the compassion to put them on
And that boy that you mock
because he doesn't have the overpriced Nikes
that give you so called confidence to punch him down
There is no way you are going to try on his Sketchers, is there?
So carry on, and never stop to see
how that kid is working to pay for college next year
and his Mom’s salary won’t cover the rubber and plastic footwear
that will give him confidence to stand up to the ignorant
But maybe one day, when that boy graduates from college
and his Mom is sitting there, prouder then she has ever been
Will his shoes really matter?
And how far did your Nike’s get you?
And that girl you call faggot
whose shoes happen to be covered in rainbows
but if you try on her shoes,
you’ll catch the disease won’t you?
But maybe those verbal knives that you through at her
will push her over the edge
because she is not safe from it at home
where her father threatens to kick her out
if she ever brings home a girl
And she is just trying to find her way
and dig for the courage that it takes to keep moving
when everything is standing in your way
So what will you do, when your son says
Dad, I’m gay
or you sister says
I’m an alcoholic. And i need help.
Or your neighbor says
I just lost my job
Is compassion something that you will never have?
or will you make the choice, and jam your feet into those shoes
Even if they don't quite fit