"Perspective"

I walk quietly through life
Listening, learning, watching
Observing those around me
Their actions
Reactions
The things they say
I try
To put myself in their place
Looking through their eyes
Hearing through their ears
Feeling through their heart

A man, bedraggled
Slowly stumbles down the street
Many shy away
Fearing this poor man
Hear his past
Listen to his words
This man has travelled far
Had a family
Friends
All gone now
Soaked in remorse
He stumbles through life

A man races past
Pushing people out of the way
Making enemies
On first contact
Why does he hurry?
This man hurries
Trying to reach the hospital
Where his wife is in labor

I look into your heart
And place myself within you
And hear your thoughts
Your dreams, desires
Your wish to be loved
Your desire to be other than you are
Yet inside
You are unique
Yourself
And fail to appreciate that
Your cry for help
Comes off as brash, harsh words
Offending others
Hurting some

Each person has a perspective
An outlook on reality
Reality is as we perceive it
A myriad of images
Interpreted inside
Be wary
And do not judge
For oft that which you judge
Is not as it seems
Always listen
Hear the words inside
Walk in the other's footsteps
See things through their eyes
For one who seems to hurt
And not care
One who seems to toy with you
May really care deeply
Yet not know how to express it
In my heart are many things
Hatred, anger
Love and caring
My words may sting
My actions may not make sense
But inside
I am like you
A confused person
Hear that which comes from inside
And listen to what it says
For we are all alike
A poor, old man or woman
Stumbling through life
Eyes clouded
Unable to see
Because of the shades we wear
Those things we allow
To block our sight
Love above all is true
Only your heart can guide
And help you see another's
Perspective