Walking in Someone Else's Shoes

I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes, and not rather a new wearer of clothes. If there is not a new man, how can the new clothes be made to fit? - Thoreau

put on my new sneakers today

made in some country i've never been to

by someone i've never met

tied them with double knots as a reminder

that i can never repay the debt

that i can never dry their sweat

hope i don't soon forget

at least not yet

Author's Note

"Old shoes will serve a hero longer than they have served his valet,—if a hero ever has a valet,—bare feet are older than shoes, and he can make them do." - Thoreau