"My address is like my shoes. It travels with me. I abide where there is a fight against wrong"

This quote by Mother Jones, a prominent labor and neighborhood organizer of the early 20th century, encapsulates her approach of advocacy and her commitment to social justice. The quote can be broken down into two primary metaphors: "My address resembles my shoes" and "I abide where there is a fight versus wrong."

The very first metaphor, "My address resembles my shoes," recommends a nomadic, versatile existence. An address typically symbolizes stability and rootedness, a fixed point where one returns after a day's activities. By specifying that her address is akin to her shoes, Jones highlights her continuous motion and preparedness to react to wherever her existence is needed. It reflects a life lived on the go, unbound by the traditional ties of domesticity. Here, the "shoes" represent journey, action, and the capability to pass through huge physical and metaphorical landscapes in the pursuit of her mission.

The 2nd part of the quote, "I abide where there is a battle against wrong," speaks directly to her commitment to justice and righting social wrongs. "Abide" can imply to live in a location or to endure and persist, recommending that her true residence is in the world of advocacy and struggle against injustice. This reflects Mother Jones's steadfast dedication to labor rights, gender equality, and children's welfare. Wherever there was labor strife, exploitation, or oppression, she placed herself in the heart of the dispute, advocating for those who did not have power and representation.

Together, these metaphors paint a vibrant photo of a life devoted to activism, driven by an ethical compass that avoids fixed convenience in favor of dynamic engagement with the world's wrongs. Mother Jones's words inspire a tradition of unrelenting battling for justice, embodying the spirit of an activist whose home is amongst the movements working towards a more fair world.