Pay Attention To His Shoe Poem by gary polonsky

Pay attention to his shoe,
You never know what you may see,
Like a big toe sticking through,
Ever think "That could be me."?

They speak of 5 or 10 percent,
Some say 15, as though they're math,
As though the news will make a dent,
Dunking when he'll have a bath.

Pay attention to his shirt
Where the button ought to be,
Is that blood or is it dirt?
Does it match what's on his knee?

Sure, his education's free,
Perhaps a path to live life with,
Perhaps a teacher whose esprit
Will render bullying a myth.

Pay attention to his face,
If he smiles, does it seem real?
Is there any sign of grace?
When he leaves, how do you feel?

You never know, he may surprise
As upon encountering you,
Genes inspiring he be wise
Against all odds - there are a few.

Pay attention to his shoe,
You never know what you may see,
Like a big toe sticking through,
Ever think, "That could be me."‎?


Written in Ontario, Canada - 18th May 2020