When You See a Stranger

A bit of silliness for the kids. Prosody is a bit off and there are inconsistencies stanza-to-stanza, but luckily, kids don't notice

When You See a Stranger

A question for kids

 

 

You see a stranger on the street

Where would you go, if you wore his feet?

 

Is he kind to his children? Is he nice to his wife?

Or is his day troubled…and filled with strife?

 

With what kind of treat does he end his meal?

Is it ice cream and pie, or crackers with eel?

 

Is reddish purple his favorite hue?

Or greenish red, all mixed with blue?

 

Does he drive a car or row a boat?

Fly an eagle…or ride a goat?

 

How does he get where he hopes to be?

Perhaps he swings from tree-to-tree?

 

Is his family nice or zombie-esque?

Do they call to talk or only text?

 

Do they read a book or do they dance?

When danger calls do they take a chance?

 

But, asking that, a thought occurs.

Would they like your world?

Would you like theirs?

Reviews

[fallon]

"you see a stranger on the street. Where would you go if you wore his feet?" That says it all for me. I was already hooked on the first line. In fact I think I may start asking my children this question to see what they come up with. Its charming and inquisitive. Thank you for sharing it.

[Cailin]

The second stanza was the one that seemed to be difficult for me with tempo. I do enjoy the silly stanzas mixed with realistic ones. Nice choices of words, and there is a cohesive story as one reads through your poem. I am hopeful they would like my world. Take care!
Cailin

[W. Barrett Munn]

I like that you subtitled this a question for kids as that adds meaning to a well-constructed and intriguing poem.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Jay,

You have clearly penned a most witty and contemplative little poem to set even an old fart's imagination to whirring and stirring ... A very enjoyable read ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[Paniel LeReux]

Amazing. Love this. Looking forward to reading more of your work.

[Ranger Kessel]

Wild imagery and putting the reader in the characters shoes. An awesome write. Best wishes

[CLR9]

Well like, who cares. There are 7.8 billion in the world. They all poop and breath and want things from other people.

[JayG]

Who cares about others? Most people. It's called empathy.

Without it, in a world of 7.8 billion, you're alone.

"As you sow, so shall you reap," is a very old sentiment. And it's true. Take the needs and desires of others into account. Help them, and they will do the same for you. Treat them as lesser beings, and...

[CLR9]

Nah. Most people only care about what they get from other people. They disguise it with words like empathy. this is how Buffalo Bill killed so many women in Silence of the Lambs. Ever hear about a wolf in sheep skin? Crappy argument. Do better.

[JayG]

Have you not noticed that of all the responses to this piece yours is the ONLY one of its kind?
read more Have you not noticed that of all the responses to this piece yours is the ONLY one of its kind?

• Buffalo Bill killed so many women in, Silence of the Lambs.

Were you right in your outlook, everyone would be doing it. Presenting a sample of one and calling it proof is a specious argument.

Obviously, you've been hanging with the wrong people. Believe the worst of people and you'll act on that—inviting exactly the response you expect.

[The Unknown Sith]

I like this nice safe flow. It reads well.

[Tazwar Khaled]

Amazing poem. Enjoyed reading it and could connect myself by putting on the shoes of a stranger.
Tazwar

[Temperance]

I can imagine most kids enjoying this poem! My first read of yours and I am so delighted with it. It is truly a fun piece. Almost Dr. Seuss-isks. Very nice, indeed! Thank you! Temp

[Jessey Valentine]

What a beautiful compilation of questions to consider. I believe these would apply to all ages, as it asked us to look outside ourselves. I understand the egocentricity of children and its considerate in your poem. I enjoyed its rhythm and found myself thinking of Dr. Seuss. A real joy.