First Impressions Poem by Jim Yerman

When we meet somebody new…perhaps with a different point of view
We know not the things their eyes have seen.

We don't know a thing about he or she…we only know what we can see…
We know not the many places they have been.

When at first we choose to meet…we know their story's incomplete
We know not if their's is a life of silence or one of noise.

It's hard at first to ascertain…to get inside their brain
when we know not their sorrows or their joys

Perhaps we smile, shake their hands….unable to fully understand
how many times in life they may have cried.

We try to read their face…wondering what has brought them to this place
and are they showing us humility or pride

It is within our own discretion…to form a first impression
not knowing how many times they may have been confused…

And though first impressions can be strong… they also can be wrong
for we know not if or when their hearts have been abused.

So what are we to do…when we meet somebody new?
What would be prudent, sensible and wise?

Perhaps it would be great…to make our first impression wait
to try to see the world through someone else eyes.

To make a point each day…not to push others away
for this is not, I hope, what we've been taught.

For once we see life through their eyes…I think we'd be surprised
and realize we have more in common than we thought.