The Fisherman's Shoes...

Evenin'...

I had a friend stop by
and sit awhile...
and as friends do -
comments came round
'bout where we'd been,
things we'd seen
and some we'd done,
'bout people, places, time.
He made a 'curious' comment -
I made a 'gentle' rhyme...

"The Fisherman's Shoes..."

You'll walk a mile in MY shoes To understand the way
I've learned to listen - Inside - what people say?
Very well... then begin today.

Trembling... wide 'glassy' eyes staring unfocused...
Tear tracks streaking the foundation covering yesterdays
mottled bruises... "OH Godohgodoh...god..." rocking...
Fear's chill fingers softly, lovingly caressing
the racing heart... tightening... squeezing...
Hunching into a smaller shape, perched
'pon the end of the hardbacked chair... rocking...
Knees together... hands clenching and clenching...
Arms touching... trying to hold in pain's flaming embrace.
"MMMmmmyyy...my...mmy fff...fault... mine..."
"shhh...shh...shouldn't...have...didn't...didn't mean..."
Whispers crying in the mind while swollen split lips
quiver - in time.
The boy peers round the corner once more...
enters the room... kneels on the floor...
reaches hand up and brushes her brow...
moving damp hair... "He's gone now -
Mom... Shhhh... He's gone."

"Well you've moved nearly an 'inch'... no more."
"Hell..., Child - you haven't even left MY door."