Garbl's Writing Center

My Shoes

I have two pairs of shoes,
one I wear and one I lose.
One is smart, and one is stupid.
One is brave, and one is fearful.

But whenever I put them on,
I pick my brand new shoes,
all clean, smart and brave,
and look at the others in disgust.

But I don't know why,
maybe because everybody else does it,
and I'm treated the same way.

I want to put on my old shoes,
but I don't have the courage.

But one day, I'll try to do it
and make it to the top.
But they'll tell me to stop,
and I'll have to start all over again.

Going on and on until I can't
take it any more,
and I'll put on my old shoes,
and no matter what my new ones do,
I'll be happy.

1991

Avoiding Insensitive and Offensive Language--Random House Webster's Collegiate Dictionary
Suggestions for avoiding language that reinforces stereotypes or excludes and demeans groups of people because of race, sexism, disabilities, sexual orientation or other differences.

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