Sir! Boot polish

“Go to the shoeshiner even when your shoes are already clean and shining! We must support people when they need us, not when we need them to get our job done!”

― Mehmet Murat ildan

A gentleman was sitting at the railway station waiting for his train. He was approached by a shoe polisher. The boy had a pathetic look on his face as he asked, "Sir! Boot polish?" Feeling sympathetic, the gentleman offered his shoes and said, "Take it, but shine it properly."

The boy began to work on the shoes, but he lacked the energy and vigor that the other polishers had. They scolded him, telling him to work faster, but the boy remained silent.

Suddenly, another boy arrived and immediately took over the task of shining the gentleman's shoes. The first boy stood aside in awe as the second boy worked diligently to make the shoes shine.

The gentleman wondered who to pay for the job, anticipating a fight between the two boys. But instead, the second boy took the money and placed it on the palm of the first boy. He patted the first boy's back with love before leaving.

The gentleman was amazed and called the first boy back to ask what had just happened. The boy explained that he had been injured from falling off a moving train three months ago. He had many injuries on his hands and feet, and he was the sole provider for his old mother and sisters. He couldn't beg and was too self-respecting to ask for help.

The boy went on to explain that he and his colleagues, who were all shoe polishers, had a leader named 'Satsangi Chachaji.' They attended satsangs and were encouraged to express active interest, sacrifice, affection, sympathy, and a sense of oneness towards their fellow man. They were all the same soul, even though they appeared different on the surface.

The group of shoe polishers had decided to donate their earnings from polishing one pair of shoes daily and to help each other when needed. The gentleman was moved by their mutual love, cooperation, unity, and humanity. He realized that maybe humanity was still alive.

As the train arrived, the gentleman bid farewell to the boy and his colleagues. He felt inspired by their actions and reflected on how often people forget the importance of showing compassion and kindness towards their fellow human beings. The incident left a lasting impression on him, and he vowed to always strive to be kind and helpful to those in need.

Shoe Shiner :

On the pavement, with a box and brush,

He sits all day, never in a rush.

The shoe shiner with a worn-out face,

Polishing shoes with skill and grace.

--------

His hands work hard, with patience and care,

Making leather shoes shiny and fair.

He earns his living with each shoe he buffs,

In his tattered clothes, looking tough.

--------

People pass by, some stop to stare,

While others give him a patronizing glare.

But the shoe shiner doesn't mind at all,

He takes pride in his work, standing tall.

--------

He knows his place in society,

But he's content with his modest reality.

He's the unsung hero of the street,

The shoe shiner with humble feet.

--------

He listens to stories from every walk of life,

From rich businessmen to struggling strife.

He hears their troubles, their joys and woes,

As they get their shoes polished, in rows.

--------

The shoe shiner with his simple craft,

Teaches us lessons that we often forget.

To take pride in our work, no matter how small,

And be grateful for the blessings, big or small.

--------

So, next time you see a shoe shiner on the street,

Remember his hard work, with no defeat.

Tip him well and give him a smile,

And let his shining shoes make your day worthwhile.