Home » Poems » Richard Lamoureux » Tolerance

Tolerance

The word The idea The wall that separates Disguised in honorable robes Preached to children "Tolerance" Am I to be tolerated? Just because I am different Black, white, brown or yellow Straight or gay Muslim A Jew Perhaps I am Christian I am painted with many brushes A part of humanity's inconsistancies When you tolerate You hold yourself in high esteem Above Not beside You grace me with your temporary favor You disguise me with your perceptions You make me a little less distasteful For a moment Perhaps a day You feel proud for not looking away I do not seek tolerance Like you I wish to be valued Included Understood To be seen in loving ways Maybe not today Perhaps tomorrow Labels Will disappear with all our sorrow For me I am you I am the many and the few Waiting for my turn Will this be my day To be heard and have a say For me Tolerance Is Intolerable

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Michelo Mweetwa

Date: 10/19/2019 10:44:00 PM

People's need to be tolerated, is the first truthful reality we encounter but tramp it down like grass, as though it does not matter. It actually matters and shapes the rest of our relationships. In a multi lingual society like mine, I make it a habit to greet friends in their mother tongue, even in a broken way, that could be as many as 5 languages in a day. it's magical, it instantly build trust. Nice poem!!!!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/19/2019 11:01:00 PM

Would you sooner be tolerated or accepted? When someone is tolerated it means they are distasteful to the other person. I find that very sad. I think it is good you see others in loving ways. Language is essential.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 12/6/2016 12:43:00 PM

Very powerful and truthful poem, Richard. It blew me away w/ the last lines. The truth displayed in this gem of a poem is beautiful. Great poem, and a great lesson in what humanity really means. Love you, brother.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2016 12:48:00 PM

Love back to you my poetic brother.

Funom Makama

Date: 2/3/2016 10:42:00 AM

Well said and craftily illustrated. A wonderful presentation of this wonderful site. Thumbs up and a definite 7

Lewis Nyaga

Date: 6/10/2015 9:36:00 AM

Richard... this is really a great and well thought out poem, which makes me re-examine myself and how i choose to respond to others and situations... Like everyone else i want to be Cherished, valued and adored...***Tolerated i feel demeaned and devalued..thanks for sharing this one///BLESSINGS

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 6/10/2015 4:38:00 PM

Thanks Lewis, blessings to you as well.

Paul Callus

Date: 7/6/2014 12:00:00 PM

You sure managed to make your point here Richard, apart from the fact that you got a healthy discussion going on! Well done. [congrats on the viewership!] // paul

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 7/6/2014 12:07:00 PM

Thanks Paul, I appreciate you taking the time to read them both. I thoroughly enjoyed your poem Paul.

Lucilla Carrillo

Date: 6/9/2014 10:21:00 AM

This is good Richard. I'm glad that I read it. To me being tolerated is not good enough, being accepted is better. Have you read my poem. Color Me. It is on page 3. Thanks for sharing... Lucilla

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 6/9/2014 10:25:00 AM

On my way, thanks for reading this one as well.

Tim Ryerson

Date: 1/11/2014 9:23:00 AM

Ah yes Richard, a true lesson-of-life gem, delivered with style, wisdom and insight...This is a poem that all of us need to read again and again...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/11/2014 9:26:00 AM

Thanks Tim, I am pleased that it resonated with you.

Dr.Ram Mehta

Date: 1/11/2014 12:07:00 AM

Enjoyed the write and congratulations on the win, Richard

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/11/2014 7:21:00 AM

Thanks Dr Ram

Poet Destroyer A

Date: 1/10/2014 11:22:00 PM

Congratulations Richard, ... If you'd like take a trip to my blog ----> http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_blogs/blog_detail.aspx?BlogID=18527&PoetID=18720 <---- enjoy if you'd like... love Always & Forever <3 LINDA <3

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/11/2014 7:22:00 AM

Thanks for choosing my poem Linda.

Monterey Sirak

Date: 1/10/2014 9:25:00 AM

You're right, this is an important message. We are supposed to love each other and embrace our differences which make us each unique and beautiful. To feel you are only being tolerated is demeaning.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/10/2014 9:46:00 AM

For me I find people who are different than my self are the most fun to be with. I love people who march to the beat of their own Acordian.

Roger Horsch

Date: 1/8/2014 2:32:00 PM

I love Linda as a good friend Richard, but you do not need her popularity for more people to read it. Your popularity is more than enough. Keep on writing them my friend.....Roger

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/8/2014 2:36:00 PM

Thanks again Roger, you have made my day with all your uplifting comments.

Donna Jones

Date: 1/7/2014 7:13:00 PM

Hey Richard.....awesome poem....like everyone else...you really opened my eyes about this word ...like jack...I'd never really stopped to think about it when I used it....and like Leo I believe acceptance is a good word or Joyce's word love to use in its place...nice job Richard...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/8/2014 2:35:00 PM

Both would be excellent. Thanks Donna you are a sweetheart, you always make me smile with you visits.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/7/2014 4:36:00 AM

Enjoyed reading your work..Differences sets us apart like two bird species...Looking out my window, I enjoy seeing the different species and their personalities but I've noticed that they mostly remain faithful to their species..We as humans are unique, one of a kind, and an awesome spiritual being recognized by God in our differences..Thanks for stopping by..I saw Bubble Lights this year in a catalogue which sales old or antique items..Sara

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/7/2014 7:21:00 AM

My parents used to have the largest collection of antique christmas ornaments in Canada. They wew collectors so that is how I got to see them. My step dad passed away a few years ago and most of them have now been sold. They also sold new mouth blown ornaments of which my mom has given us hundreds. I have enough for several trees. It makes Christmas special.

Syam Madappattu

Date: 1/6/2014 7:42:00 PM

Really a mind opener.There is something real flash of perception

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/6/2014 7:44:00 PM

Thanks Syam

Jack Jordan

Date: 1/6/2014 6:38:00 PM

Wow! I confess I never thought of tolerance in this way, but I see that you are right. The implications, really, are negative. Thanks... Jack Added this to faves

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/6/2014 7:07:00 PM

Thanks Jack, I am honored.

Cherl Dunn

Date: 1/6/2014 6:32:00 PM

i well written write and in it's lines there is an honest truth how can the world get better if we don't let go of the intolerance and ignorance that sourrds us everyday i see it and hear it. i wish i could just silence it. cheri and thanks for the congrads on my win

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/6/2014 6:36:00 PM

You are most welcome, I appreciate you stopping by to visit.

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 1/6/2014 3:56:00 PM

a very sage write Rick tolerance is often not good as shown in your excellent poem Shadow x smile hug

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/6/2014 3:57:00 PM

Thanks Shadow. I'm pleased you like it.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 1/6/2014 10:41:00 AM

So much wisdom in your words.You warm my heart Richard. Re your questio.-I have only one baby girl one yr four months old..after ten yrs of marriage ..I feel blessed: )

Charmaine Chircop
Date: 1/7/2014 5:59:00 PM

I had my baby girl age 35.. Marred age 25.. and my baby is one year four mnths old : )..Im an old mommy 37 in May B-)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/6/2014 12:36:00 PM

Blessed indeed, I am happy for you. Did you marry when you were 19?

Leo Larry Amadore

Date: 1/6/2014 9:49:00 AM

You have given us a perceptive and valuable homily, one not easily nor popularly expressed...."tolerance" seems always to emphasize separateness, difference from the "norm", an attitude of "although you are not me and have different values, behaviors, morals, etc., I will put up with you"....much better indeed to emphasize ACCEPTANCE in a non-judgmental manner....

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/6/2014 9:59:00 AM

Thanks for adding to the perspective.

Poet Tacito

Date: 1/6/2014 8:09:00 AM

So much harsh truth & wisdom here. Ultimate message here: "Do unto others"

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/6/2014 8:12:00 AM

So true.

Joyce Johnson

Date: 1/5/2014 9:37:00 PM

I am sure I am guilty of using that word without stopping to think about it. If we could all just substitute the word love in its place. Love, Joyce

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/5/2014 10:08:00 PM

I think that is an excellent choice Joyce.

Debbie Guzzi

Date: 1/5/2014 6:26:00 PM

The last verse has a nice punch, but as long as man feels the need to 'name' I'm afraid there will be both good and bad names? {Not sure I made any sense?] Light & Love

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/5/2014 6:45:00 PM

Perhaps it is

Debbie Guzzi
Date: 1/5/2014 6:27:00 PM

maybe tolerance is the fulcrum between hate & love?