So, as I was posting my contest rules, I just knew I couldn't stop myself from writing a poem on my own theme - and, indeed, I could not.
This is not being offered as an example of what I want you to do - I want an ORIGINAL you poem. I am just sharing what I would have written if this contest theme was posted by someone else. This cause has moved me a bit.
A Mile In Her Shoes
by Joe Flach
I tried walking a mile in her shoes today
to see if I could understand the fears
that kept her tethered to an abusive man
for all her adult years.
I tried squeezing my toes in her narrow shoes
and balancing my weight on her high heels
to empathize with the instability
and to learn just how she feels.
I tried taking just a single step
while wearing her cloak of shame
and embrace her silent cries for help
as she still thinks that she’s to blame.
It’s easy to wonder why they stay
when we hear about them on the news,
but we cannot understand this state of mind
until we are walking in their shoes.
I removed the shoes from my blistered feet
after sharing a moment of her pain
with the resolve to fund a shelter for help
where, in safety, she can remain.
And once she is ready to walk proud again,
on her own with her head held high,
we will walk hand in hand in next year’s mile
so other women can pass the abuser by.
NOTE: This poem would be disqualified from my contest, because I included my name on it. :-)