Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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Blind Butterfly

I beat my wings
At the moment of exhale
Unaware the air had grown stale
I was a white washed wasp
With no sting in my tale
Maybe because daddy bent my mind
when he told me I was destined to fail

Teacher, you taught me
I didn’t need  to get high to fly
When you exhaled I felt myself sigh
You made me try instead of cry
To change my flight path
I needed a scoop of double-you and why
Then the gravity of his depravity 
couldn’t  mystify 
I became a different guy
When my mind stopped buzzing 
I transformed into a colour blind butterfly 
with words worthy of a sigh

I stopped seeing people 
through his deranged eyes 
His heart was willfully unwise
I stopped believing those malignant lies
We come in many colours 
“No Justice no peace”
Solutions aren’t just one size
All parts of society 
need to rise.

Black, white, yellow and brown
Those who are up and down 
Look around your town
Let’s listen to each other’s heart pound
Don’t fear being woke
It’s time to wake up, shake up
make a God fearing joyful sound
Compassion lost 
can be found 
Nobody should be bent 
or hell bound
Look to the heavens for answers
while keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

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Marikate Kingston Date: 6/6/2025 10:17:00 PM A compassionate educator or parent with a soft voice and praise could hopefully swat that sad "white washed wasp" What wonderful imagery throughout your poem. Wrapped in the teacher's wings, S/he became a color who could sing. " A God fearing open sound" one where love can be found, from a hug wrapped around. This poem so moving, filled with images and hope. I liked what Tom said below about your poem. I could read your writing all day. Login to Reply

Valsa George Date: 10/12/2023 10:24:00 PM Even parents can hurt us through their thoughtless words. If from teachers also when disheartening words come, that will leave wounds within us. Fortunately by the grace of God, you could rise above all such negativity. Now you are no more a blind butterfly. You may spread your wings and fly. A touching poem dear Richard ! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/13/2023 5:36:00 AM Thanks for reading and for your eloquent response.

Juliet Ligon Date: 10/9/2023 6:04:00 PM The continuous string of rhymes is really cool, like a rap. Though your dad left some scars, It sounds like your teacher was an amazing influence to put you on the right path. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/10/2023 7:04:00 AM Thanks Juliet, I was going for a rap feel. Yes a single person can have a profound effect on a person’s life.

Bill Baker Date: 10/6/2023 4:46:00 PM A FAV for my list, Rick. As youngsters, the influence of negative parent or parents can be very destructive. Having the strength to decide to become who we are instead of who they said we were, takes courage. The influence of a caring teacher can sometimes be all it takes to encourage a student to step up to their potential. I'm glad you had one, my friend. A spiritual experience can make the difference. Your effort has paid off. Kudos for the effort. A poet friend in Texas, Bill Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/7/2023 6:16:00 AM Good morning Bill. Thanks for your visit. You always bring a smile.

Hilda Greenhough Date: 10/5/2023 10:20:00 PM Poem was very different with many twists and turns. It had the surprise of an emerging butterfly. I salute you. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/5/2023 10:27:00 PM Thanks Hilda.

Curie Stark Date: 10/5/2023 3:16:00 AM Beautiful poem Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/5/2023 6:15:00 AM Thanks.

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 10/4/2023 10:29:00 AM this has the feeling of real experience behind it..i'm glad you managed to rise above the pain of the past..thanks for your comment on my work Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/4/2023 11:34:00 AM Much appreciated, thanks for reading and commenting.

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 10/4/2023 8:20:00 AM - So true and lovely written, Richard :) - hugs Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/4/2023 11:35:00 AM Thanks and a big hug back.

Karen Jones Date: 10/4/2023 7:14:00 AM I love the optimism and the imagery. Well done. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/4/2023 8:06:00 AM Thanks Karen.

Tom Woody Date: 10/4/2023 6:22:00 AM Nice poem of healing and overcoming childhood trauma. Whether the teacher was Jesus or someone representing him the message was clear: We all have worth. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 10/4/2023 6:31:00 AM Thanks Tom. I appreciate your visits. Thankfully my change cam early. God sent an Angel named Mr. Lake when I was in grade 6.