What do you think of this conceit style poem?

Question

what can i improve on in this poem?

Dirty sneakers

I am a pair of sneakers
Dirty and used up
Worn by experience
But useful and convenient

I contribute to the everyday ups and downs of life
and am always there to protect and sustain
as I age, I mature but maintain my purpose and value

For the runner, I am the supporter
The everyday acquaintance
Which inspires to go farther and achieve
I give hope and reassurance

Gliding through the wind and coming back down to earth
I am Comfortable and sturdy
the support one can fall back on
Cushioning feet through hard times

Answer 1

You don't need a rhyming scheme, all poetry doesn't rhyme. What you need is rhythm and flow. Make the words bounce off the tongue and flow with ease of reading. That is what separates poetry from an essay. Try it, and read it aloud in order to hear the effect.

Answer 2

I like everything except for the third stanza. I think supporter is accurate, but I don't think a dirty old pair of sneakers inspires me. But maybe that's just me. If your pair inspires you then you should definitely leave it in.
Otherwise, good job. I like "Gliding through the wind and coming back down to earth" and "Cushioning feet through hard times."

Answer 3

A little vague...I kinda forget you're talking about shoes after awhile...In fact, without the first line, the reader can't be sure who the speaker is. Add some detail that is sneaker related and take out the vague.

And thank you for not rhyming!