To Understand

[tomassettijohn]

There are stories riddled beneath every mans skin
They tell a tale which haunts his existence
Maps etched and engraved in his bones
Of roads that led him away from his home

Decisions make up what he has become
With unworthy reasons that left him undone
Choices whether poor or rich with intentions
Define men without true convictions

A path can be walked and left in the past
But prepare for the stones others will cast
What we do today matters not to most
The burdens we carry live in our ghosts

So many are afraid of change
Dwelling solely on anguish and pain
If a man chooses to stray towards another way
Away from all his mistakes and disgrace

Then why do so many place forth judgment
As if this man deserves further punishment
His own stones were built
Through spilt tears and consuming guilt

Lives are interpreted from afar
People only see each for their scars
Empathy will put you where this man stands
And To understand, is to transform what you are

-Jt