Cool Poem

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ajamj
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Cool Poem

Post by ajamj »

Sorry, I don't know the author, but I thought this was beautiful.




The Shoes

Showered and shaved............... I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in
time.
Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my
own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side...... I thought,
"Why must our soles touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it
didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father"............. I thought,
"This man with the shoes.. has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there
are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said............... a quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts
were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best.. When walking
through that door?
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing
toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of
praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud
as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were
raised high.
The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from
the sky.

It was time for the offering......... And what I threw
in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets
so deep.
I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe
man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink" . as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and
that's no lie
It was the same for the shoe man..... For tears fell
from his eyes.

At the end of the service........ As is the custom
here
We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good
cheer.
But I felt moved somehow............. And wanted to
meet the shoe man
So after the closing prayer.......... I reached over
and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was
truly a mess
But I thanked him for coming......... For being our
guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie.......... I'm glad to meet
you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a
large, wide grin
"Let me explain," he said........... Wiping tears from
his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months.... And you're the
first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance........."Is not like all
the rest
"But I really do try................."To always look
my best."
"I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very
long walk.
"But by the time I get here........."They're dirty and
dusty, like chalk."

My heart filled with pain............ and I swallowed
to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize......... For daring to
sit so near.
He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must
look a sight.
"But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our
souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever
was said
Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not
my head.
Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in
part;
"That the best of any man............"Is what is found
in his heart."

The rest, I thought,................. This shoe man
will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty
old shoe touched my soul.
Image

Everyone should have a happy dance.
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Aelwyn
Ignorance of the law is no excuse
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Post by Aelwyn »

That was really neat! Thanks for sharing it!
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poWerbOy
If posts were pigs...
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Location: somewhere over the rainbow

Post by poWerbOy »

That was nice. O:)
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Jennifer Doyle
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Post by Jennifer Doyle »

That there is a right awesome poem!
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“God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.” Chester W. Nimitz
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Lizzy
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Joined: November 2005
Location: Canada

Post by Lizzy »

That was beautiful
It's good to visit again... it's been a while!
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