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Listening For Change

It seems easier to hate because you're different then me If I change my way of thinking then I might be able to see Everything has a reason If I take time to look back By truly understanding I won't go on the attack For once I begin hearing my ears will open my heart Change can happen in a moment if I'm willing to play my part For if my expectations are for you to be just like me I will become your oppressor and neither of us will be free I ask you not to fear me instead listen to me too Those things we have in common I believe will be quite a few.... For Becca's Contest Written July 23rd 2016

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Paul Callus

Date: 8/9/2016 12:14:00 PM

It makes no sense to be stubborn and only try to do things our way (even if Sinatra says he did!). It also makes no sense if we expect others to listen to us and go by what we say. Reciprocal listening can be helpful...so is sifting through words! // paul

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/9/2016 12:23:00 PM

Thanks Paul, I am always happy to listen to your words.

Becca Teagan

Date: 8/9/2016 12:51:00 AM

sorry it took me so long to get around to commenting on this, Rick... this is really an outstanding poem and I love the message.. really it's as simple as listening.. and trying to understand others. Thank you so much for sharing this. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 8/9/2016 8:15:00 AM

A big thanks and hugs back. I appreciate you picking it.

Chris Hagy

Date: 8/6/2016 7:11:00 PM

Great write...and good message:)

Janice Canerdy

Date: 8/6/2016 6:44:00 PM

A 7 for this WINNING poem, Richard! Janice

Arthur Vaso

Date: 8/3/2016 9:32:00 PM

I was just reading other comments, Congrats on your win, its obvious why! :)

Arthur Vaso

Date: 8/3/2016 9:29:00 PM

Love this, did you send it to Trump? :)

Casarah Nance

Date: 8/3/2016 7:55:00 AM

:) hugs... just missing your excellency, hope all is well xxx

Viv Wigley

Date: 8/2/2016 7:15:00 PM

Congrats on a worthy piece with much truth, Richard. Regards, Viv

James Peranteau

Date: 8/1/2016 10:51:00 PM

This write appears all too believable, for this I dubb thee winner of this contest! *sm....have a wonderful week Richard, it was a pleasure reading you and am enjoying my recent return!...much love, james

Vladislav Raven

Date: 8/1/2016 8:09:00 AM

Hi Richard, Justv dropping by with my Congratulations in your placement in the contest. I enjoyed the read first time around and i enjoy it the second time round just as much so the piece gets asnother seven from me Richard. Those words of yours shall always sing Richard. This is a definite seven....Mike.

Teddy Kimathi

Date: 8/1/2016 7:21:00 AM

Congrats Richard, for your placement with yet another fine piece!! ;-)

Wendy Rycroft

Date: 7/31/2016 11:29:00 AM

Congrats 1st xxxxxxxxxxxx

Alexis Y.

Date: 7/31/2016 10:16:00 AM

Hi Richard, I agree with your message of change. Well done. Congratulations on your 1st place win. It was well deserved- 7:-) Alexis

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/29/2016 9:25:00 PM

I never did come up with anything. I bet the contest closed by now too!!! happy Friday, my friend. now maybe for you, going on Saturday.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/30/2016 1:05:00 AM

In one hour from now it will be Saturday. Thanks for the visit Andrea.;0)

Eileen Manassian

Date: 7/28/2016 2:01:00 AM

Know I soupmailed you about this since I wasn't on SOUP for a bit, but I just want to tell you....I miss you. You must be very busy. It's not like you not to answer posts. All the best with the plans. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/28/2016 8:27:00 AM

Yes we're crazy busy, between company, packing and traveling for work there is barely time to breathe. After September 2nd things should return to normal fo a little bit. Thanks for he visit and hug Eileen.

Jan Allison

Date: 7/26/2016 4:21:00 PM

Made me smile Richard as I am having issues with my hearing - we can 'hear' but we don't always 'listen' and that is a huge difference:-( good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/28/2016 8:29:00 AM

So true, for many people they are to busy thinking about what they want to say that they can't hear the person in front of them.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 7/25/2016 6:39:00 PM

Hi Richard, an excellent write once more. How can we understand if we don't listen to others? I hope this one does well in the contest. Would this world be a better place if we did communicate? This piece makes one think deeply on the question and it is one we should think deeper on. This is a seven and a fave Richard....Mike.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/28/2016 8:30:00 AM

You are kind Mike, sorry for the late response.

Viv Wigley

Date: 7/25/2016 5:31:00 PM

A fine write, Richard, and how very true. Real communication has two elements, and if there is no listening, not just hearing, everything goes belly up. Good luck in the contest. Regards, Viv

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/28/2016 8:30:00 AM

Thanks Viv, much appreciated.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/25/2016 1:38:00 PM

great ideas and well written, Richard. I really should try this particular contest. I can't seem to get myself to listen to that video or song. And now I am rushing off again!! Listening is SO important in today's world!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/28/2016 8:31:00 AM

I'm sure you will come up with something terrific Andrea. Take care.

John Hamilton

Date: 7/24/2016 12:28:00 PM

A lot of common sense here, as is always reflected in your words, listening out of respect we will learn something, great write!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/24/2016 7:21:00 PM

Thanks John.

Richard D Seal

Date: 7/23/2016 6:15:00 PM

Yes true Rick, I have an asian friend who does salsa dancing and no, we do not have that in common lol, but we do have many others. I don't know what the contest is but hope this does well. Take care, Richard

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/24/2016 8:05:00 AM

Hi Richard, great to see you, I hope you are well.

Nette Onclaud

Date: 7/23/2016 3:49:00 PM

and so it is, rich!... such a wise, splendid reflection!.. huggs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/24/2016 8:04:00 AM

Much appreciated Nette. ;0)

Weston Gregory

Date: 7/23/2016 1:22:00 PM

This is a sentiment that has to be mirrored... Nicely done

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/24/2016 8:04:00 AM

Thanks Weston. ;0)

Lin Lane

Date: 7/23/2016 12:50:00 PM

An open heart and mind can really change a person...loved this write. How are you, Rick? I'm visiting the writes of some friends today, so I thought I'd come to see you. Hugs!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/24/2016 8:03:00 AM

So nice to have you visit. Hugs Rick.

Carol Eastman

Date: 7/23/2016 11:13:00 AM

Great to see you featured! Congrats!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/24/2016 8:03:00 AM

Hi Carlol, thanks for the visit.