I Walked the Last Mile In My Shoes

I’ve walked a mile in the other man's shoes                                                                                                                                   that have left me tired and sore.                                                            Each step has piled up through the years, 
He had problems galore.
I jumped off a fright in Nashville,  
my pockets can’t find a dime. 
My stomach hungers for a burger and fries                                                                                                                         But my lips thirst for whiskey or wine.

I cling to the wagon, grabbing for a chance
So, I’ve traded my thumb for a boxcar,
swaying to the devil’s dance
The rain is slowly falling, and the lights                                                                                                                                    of a bus stop come into view.
 It’s a chance to rest my bones 
and a roof to cover me too.

I start a little lizard as he hides 
from the passers-by. 
His perch is safe from worry                                                                                                                                                                     his home is dusty and dry.
He eyes me with suspicion, his little legs
pumping up and down.
He lives his life in colors, 
changing from green to brown.

He seems to except my failures
and he peeps up without a blink.
Could a lizard have pity for a tramp?                                                                                                                                          It’s a notion, too shameful to think

An old, dejected dog trots by,  
with pause he stands exposed.  
The rain washing his ragged coat 
and wetting his dripping nose. 
I welcome him in for the night
making it a lowly band of three.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Considering as far down as I am
It’s a step up for the likes of me
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Barry-Nishanian Avatar
August 31, 2022 at 5:10 PM
Friend, you can weave a tale, yes you can! Thanks for visiting me. I like your style.
Chies Avatar
June 21, 2022 at 5:55 PM
I really liked this poem.
Kelly Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 6:54 AM
Thanks For your reading my poem. Good to hear from you.
M  Avatar
June 21, 2022 at 6:39 AM
Patrick your poem/story is amazing….I really enjoyed reading it. Debx
Kelly Avatar
June 22, 2022 at 6:56 AM
Thanks Debx from down under. Love hearing from you.
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