The Shoe Man

by: Author Unknown,

I showered and shaved.

I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat

In a pew just in time.

A prayer began: “Our Father,”

I thought, “This man with the shoes has no pride

They’re dusty, worn, and scratched.

Even worse, there are holes on the side!”

“Thank You for blessings,” the prayer went on.

The shoe man said a quiet “Amen.”

I tried to focus on the prayer,

But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

“Aren’t we supposed to look our best

When walking through that door?

Well, this certainly isn’t it,” I thought,

Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended

And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud

Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters.

His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear….

The shoe man’s voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering,

And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached

Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out,

What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft “clink”

as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me

To tears, and that’s no lie.

It was not the same for the shoe man

For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service,

As is the custom here,

We must greet new visitors,

And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow

And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer

I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark,

And his hair was truly a mess.

But I thanked him for coming

For being our guest.

He said, “My names’ Charlie.

I’m glad to meet you, my friend.”

There were tears in his eyes,

But he had a large, wide grin.

“Let me explain,” he said………..

Wiping tears from his eyes.

“I’ve been coming here for months….

And you’re the first to say ‘Hi.’

“I know that my appearance

Is not like all the rest,

But I really do try

To always look my best.

“I always clean and polish my shoes

Before my very long walk.

But by the time I get here

They’re dirty and dusty, like chalk.”

My heart filled with pain,

and I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize

For daring to sit so near.

He said, “When I get here

I know I must look a sight.

But I thought if I could touch you..

Then maybe our souls might unite.”