Neatly tucked in the corner of her room,
stood an old pair of shoes amongs the collection of others.
This pair caught my attention for its distinctive look.
Soles worn out and bore the marks of travailing years,
of walking life’s rugged terrain of valleys and hills.
Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was exactly my size.
I reached and slipped my feet into her old tattered shoes
Transforming me instantly,
as the jurney began…
.
I walked on……
.
Each step taken,
a vision of her life flashed before me.
In a quiet room on her knees praying before God,
“Bring my Son home, Lord”
“Restore our broken home”
“Touch my aching body”
The tears flowed, as she cried out in sheer desperation,
Embracing the KJV to her chest,
as a child would a favorite toy

I walked on..

There before me..
A woman being beaten for simply not obeying,
or heeding to his every command and rules.
A man who have tormented her for years,
subjecting her to sheer torture and abuse.
On her face, a confused look as
She picks herself up from the floor,
walked out of the door broken and battered.
Courageously she greets her children with a smile
As she endeavors to hide the tears.

I walked on..

Another step led me to a place and time,
where a tired woman walks a dusty road.
She battles the rough terrain,
In dire need of a doctor to aid her failing health.
Exhausted all means of her life savings,
she could not find a helping hand in this time of need.
She knows somehow amidst the one footprints,
There was one carrying her along the way
By now I wanted to turn and head back,
For the scenes was much to unbearable to endure,
But I knew that I must continue walking her mile.

I walked on..

In the blackness of night a woman so terrified
As she held her newborn limp body to her bosom
As the midwife turns and walked away
leaving her alone with no one to care or comfort her
Cradling him as streams of tears flowed down her cheek
Praying to God
“Please Lord, Let him live”

I walked on..

This journey would lead me once again
To a somber place of quietness
Surrounded by family and friends
And those whose life she have touched along her way
Before me the most beautiful image
Of a woman laying peacefully
Adorned with pearls and white lace dress
Her journey came to its final resting place
As I gazed upon this empty shell
Of one who have seen and tasted yesterday’s bitter cup
For her soul has been ushered to a place of peace
Where there is no heartaches or pain
Free from the chains that held her captive

Totally exhausted from my long walk
I turned and begin my long journey back
With lessons learned along my way
As I recalled walking a mile in her shoes…

Charmaine Gordon
Copyright © May 24,2004

 
Copyright © charmaine, All Rights Reserved