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A Pause Long Enough

A Pause Long Enough I don't mind If you sit At the head of the table I have no desire To take your place from you You can tell me your story You can tell me of your many accomplishments I will give of my ears By listening intently I will ask you questions For I know how much you love to answer We will celebrate, you together I will be interested For I know that is what you need All the while I am hoping That you may wish to see But a small part of me That you might momentarily glimpse in my direction That your eyes won't glaze over when I speak That there might be enough air for me to breathe Perhaps if I wait long enough Listen more intently Offer more praise Maybe you will be full enough Satiated For then you might Look at me Ask me what is important Read my heart for in writing I find a pause Long enough for me to express To answer the questions I ask of myself The questions I wish you might ask Yet I know will never ask At least not now For you do not have the ability or desire to ask For you do not wish to waste a single breath On me.

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Daniel Handschuh

Date: 2/25/2017 9:06:00 PM

It was presented almost humorously in pleasant juxtaposition with the obvious frustration.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/26/2017 8:22:00 AM

Thanks, that was my intention otherwise it might have been more uncomfortable to read.

Robert Lindley

Date: 1/5/2017 11:58:00 AM

A great poem that highlights how even people we love can get deep under our skins. Your verses, passionate, strong and understanding! Super, A7

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/26/2017 8:23:00 AM

Sorry for the delay in responding. Thanks Robert.

Darren White

Date: 1/1/2017 12:46:00 AM

It's so painful, isn't it? I recognize this so much, and although writing it down helps giving it a place, it doesn't resolve that feeling of not being seen, as if you don't matter, or don't exist.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/26/2017 8:24:00 AM

You said it so well Darren. Much appreciated.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 12/23/2016 1:35:00 AM

Power to truth, this poem is. Very honest and heartfelt, Richard. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this beautiful piece of poetic art. A soft answer always melt away any hardness in another person's heart. An excellent example given on the right reconciliatory approach to mending breaches in a relationship. A very moving poem. Love and joy to you this holiday.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/23/2016 8:25:00 AM

Thanks Freddie, this piece helped me process my feelings and prevented me from lashing out in anger. Therefore it holds a special place for me. Thanks for commenting.

Akkina Downing

Date: 12/14/2016 8:33:00 AM

Awe, if only pride wasn't so deep, forgiveness would have been easy to melt away all the angers and grudges. A very good write that lots can relate to. Beautiful!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/23/2016 8:26:00 AM

Thanks Akkina, sorry I took so long to respond.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 12/13/2016 8:13:00 PM

This tugs at my heart....Can't fathom anyone knowing you and not giving you full attention, Richard. You have so much to give...I hope you never let people like this diminish from you sense of worth. If only I could sit at a table with you and have a lovely chat. :) Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/13/2016 8:16:00 PM

That would be very nice. Hugs back.

Becca Teagan

Date: 12/10/2016 10:58:00 PM

Many can relate to this! Very good writing.. makes a strong point, and reminder.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/11/2016 1:50:00 AM

Hi Becca, thanks.;0)

Elaine George

Date: 12/9/2016 5:35:00 PM

Yes!!!! I understand this all too well! I think that is why I write. Writing validates my existence... at least to me. Great writing, Richard. Elaine

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/10/2016 10:01:00 AM

Thanks Elaine, it is good that we can leave bits of ourselves out in the world.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/8/2016 6:12:00 PM

oops, I meant excellent of course.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/8/2016 8:47:00 PM

Thanks Andrea, it was a N/A back in October. We'll see how it makes out this time. I'm pleased you like it.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/8/2016 6:11:00 PM

Richard, had it won the contest? if not, you would surely have been shafted! This is exellent verse on the topic you describe. Love how you built it up to that great ending.

Barry Stebbings

Date: 12/7/2016 4:10:00 PM

I can relate to this Richard, I know how you feel. Excellent write. At least +7 // Barry.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/9/2016 9:41:00 AM

Thank you kind sir.

Mama Bear

Date: 12/6/2016 7:39:00 PM

The saddest part of the story is that the person does not even know that he should be giving more to you and it should not be you giving more to that person. The need for importance of self is a terrible thing So much better to get praise that is not expected. You always go above and beyond for people and to not be recognized is a shame But it proves that you are a wonderful human being and i am proud to be your mom Love and a big 7 from me

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/7/2016 8:35:00 AM

You are sweet mom, lots of love back to you.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/6/2016 6:21:00 PM

This really hits home, for the reasons you mentioned and part of me often thinks, did I listen enough? Great write! A7

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 7:22:00 PM

I'm sure each of us has been guilty of that at different times.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 12/6/2016 6:21:00 PM

Forgot the 7!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 7:22:00 PM

Thanks Arthur.

Jerome Malenfant

Date: 12/6/2016 1:27:00 PM

Really nice!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 1:50:00 PM

Thanks Jerome.

Daniel Turner

Date: 12/6/2016 8:44:00 AM

It's just an undeniable fact Richard, some people just won't shut up. I tasted just a hint of sarcasm in this dish. Loved it:)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 12:51:00 PM

Your tastebuds are astute my friend. Thanks for the visit.

Paloma P

Date: 12/6/2016 6:20:00 AM

A very relatable portrayal of a non-Norman Rockwell setting. Those paintings rarely depict reality.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 7:28:00 AM

Thanks Paloma.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 12/6/2016 6:05:00 AM

Its sad when someone wants to be the centre of attraction..Wants to be in the head of the table...Wants to be the praise of the crowd..yet that someone is never willing to listen and appreciate the others...I can feel this Rick...Some people are like that by nature I so believe...So guess we need to share our pains and joys with others who have ears...to listen to us..and compassionate enough to be there.Powerful poem..Glad you reposted .

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 7:33:00 AM

Thanks Charmaine. Since then I have seen this person making an effort. We are called to love and at times although difficult love finds a way. There is no more powerful force on earth than Love.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 12/6/2016 3:43:00 AM

- It is a wonderful poem, Richard ... I hope it will get another chance and get on the winning list this time, best of luck :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 7:35:00 AM

Thanks Anne-Lise, whether it does or not that is not important. It is people like you who read it that gives the words breath.

Doug Vinson

Date: 12/6/2016 1:23:00 AM

Richard, excellent, with a heart-breaking ending.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 7:36:00 AM

Thanks Doug, much appreciated.