“You listen with only one purpose: to help him or her to empty his heart…”
Thich Nhat Hahn
Photo Credit; Jane H. Johann, Dec. 2014 “Walk in the Shoes of One Another”
Listen…and walk in everlasting shoes
among the broken-hearted
Listen…and walk in everlasting shoes
…hear the sighs–the silent whispers of the child
waiting for a hug of reassurance
Listen…and walk in everlasting shoes
…feel the judgment
we lay upon the homeless…
Listen…and walk in everlasting shoes
…crawl into the skin
of those oppressed because of the color of their skin
Listen…and walk in everlasting shoes
…touch the loneliness unspoken
of the aged in the walls of the nursing home
Listen…and walk in everlasting shoes
…open your arms to those battered
and abused
Listen…and walk in everlasting shoes
_________________________
“to walk in everlasting shoes”–Victorian era— to walk barefoot
Footprints of Thoughts 
If we only listened more the world would be a more peaceful place. Love the photo and the words.
LikeLike
dear Sheri~
How GOOD to hear from you! I hope you and Tom are doing well! Thank you for your visit and comment! Sincerely, Jane
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jane – I was watching Tom sleep at the hospital and your blog rolled around in my reader. I was ever so pleased to see you there. I’m always happy when the reader works the way I want it to – as in provide me with blogs I love to read instead of people I’ve never heard of.
Tom is very ill. Mon he had heart surgery, Tue was specialized trauma surgery on his arm and then Wed a bronc scope. The diagnosis from the scope is Histoplasmosis–we don’t need yet another serious disease for him. I do hope you are well. Sheri
LikeLike
dear Sheri~
I am so sorry to hear about all that Tom is suffering…you both have had more than your fair share of suffering. I do hope that he does not have anything more to deal with…I keep YOU in my heart and prayers!
I am doing ok…as well as I can.
Love and hugs to you both!
Jane
LikeLiked by 1 person
A profound and thoughtful poem that reminds us that our steps must be chosen with care and compassion. Thank you.
LikeLike
dear Rebecca~
thank you for your words…my grandchildren have brought me back to what is truly important–they have such tender hearts…I miss them very much. I usually see them once a month–too little! Thank you! Jane
LikeLiked by 1 person
As always, beautifully written. This particular poem is truly touching and a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing the worn tennis shoes, with the poem. Perfect.
LikeLike
thank you, Mari…thank you for your kind words!
LikeLike
Beautiful, I could feel the words in my bones. Listening, something we could practice more of in coming to our own fullness. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for your words…and for your visit! Blessings on you and your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person