Walk a mile in my shoes
Feel the pain that I endure
For some it will feel like snowflakes
Caressing their cheeks and soothing their soul
For others it will be hell
A tumultuous storm that rages
Furious flames beneath their feet

Walk a mile in my shoes
Before you spit out your words
Unable to hold down your drink
Sick with anger
Anger directed at smoke
You really know nothing about them
Your anger falls to the floor
And you wait for someone to pick it up

Walk a mile in my shoes
Feel the worn out soles
How loose they bind against your skin
You know nothing of the pebble between my toes
Yet you beckon me to run a marathon with you
Let's run to the sunset
My shoes you wear are too big for you to fill
No blisters form
You are untouched

Walk a mile in my shoes
You wish to hike a mountain
I'm sorry, I cannot follow you there
Like cinder blocks to me
I have my own burdens to bear
Like the car with a flat tire
Or boat with a hole in its hull

Walk a mile in my shoes?
You scoff
You laugh
But my shoes feel tight around my feet
And you'll never know how they feel on me.