THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

When I buy a shoe, I am baffled to make a choice,

I left home with a design in mind that I might rejoice

and the one which not only helps me fit in comfortably,

but also not make me look impaired fashionably

The kind shopkeeper brings before me a string of designs,

My dear ones point out at one shoe, shining bright in the lines

On everyone's ardent request, I put on the shoe,

'Perfect' my dear ones exclaimed, but to me something didn't feel right, I knew

As I did the much anticipated walk in the much loved footwear,

I didn't feel comforted, and my feet felt more than ever bare.

A pair of shoes in the corner of the shop caught my eye,

I put those on, and I never knew I could fly

I could tie the laces of my dreams into a knot,

To walk miles and no intention to stop.

Now I wonder, how stepping into someone's shoes is not easy as it sounds,

One has to be ready to walk their experiences and wounds

Choose your own shoe to realize the destiny for which you are worthy

And let the sole wither as milestones of your journey.