M. L. Kiser Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Old Shoes Record the Road of Life

Life’s road is never straight,
instead the directions senseless;
a twisting, turning labyrinth 
of adventures and challenges.
It wears down the spirit, 
more than the shoes.

Dangers faced with support 
can breed courage.
The road walked alone, 
can harden the mildest soul, 
building an unbreakable wall.

The façade worn is often mis-interpreted, 
but the shoes reveal every challenge and hardship.
All of the masks we wear 
cannot hide the life history
written in our shoes.  
Like the lines in the face, 
old shoes fill in the blanks
left after we don yet another, facade.

Old shoes are the portraits
of our  journey in life.
Don’t throw them away,
put them on display
and they’ll keep you humble.
One should never forget
where they’ve been.
It’s in the forgetting 
that we fail ourselves.
Contemplate where you’ve been,
to decide the next turn,
you must make.


2-6-2022
A STRAND (1067) Poetry Contest
BrianStrand

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Bill Baker February 13, 2022 at 10:47 AM Congratulations on you win, M.L., I enjoyed this introspective poem. The comparisons were spot on, and the wisdom shared, much appreciated. Those old shoes hold the secrets of the path taken; many lessons from them and those paths to be learned. A poet friend in Texas, Bill

Paula Goldsmith February 10, 2022 at 12:08 PM Congratulations on your win. A creative/fun write. Yes, old shoes are the best. They can tell a story just "Like the lines in the face." I hate new shoes. They always hurt for a week or two. Have a blessed day...........................

Rico Leffanta January 27, 2022 at 11:05 AM Ditto, Gershon! My mother-in-law was forever tossing out my comfortable shoes! M. L. Kiser February 4, 2022 at 12:05 PM There's nothing quite as comfortable, is there? Thanks Rico.

Vijay Pandit January 27, 2022 at 5:04 AM Insightful poem about life: One should never forget where they’ve been. It’s in the forgetting that we fail ourselves.. so well said! Enjoyed your poem in superb metaphors. M. L. Kiser February 4, 2022 at 12:05 PM Absolutely and thanks for stopping by.

Victor Buhagiar January 26, 2022 at 11:28 PM Great advice. The future will determine our heavenly place. M. L. Kiser February 4, 2022 at 12:05 PM True, thanks Victor.

Gershon Wolf January 26, 2022 at 7:11 PM Never would have thunk this without your pen, M.L. What a great idea: Romantic, sentimental, and the right thing to do! (Now, how do I keep my wife from finding these treasures and throwing them out?! lol). :) gw M. L. Kiser February 4, 2022 at 12:04 PM Ha, thanks Gershon and I hope your shoes live long and prosper!