Richard Lamoureux Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Coming home, makes you think of growing up. Painful memories are a great source of inspiration.

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 stories
Yes 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 might 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
I pray there might be enough air for me to breathe
Perhaps if I wait long enough
listen more intently
If I offer you 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 those questions I ask of myself
The questions I wish you would ask
Yet somehow I know you won't  ask
at least not now
For you do not have the inclination or desire to ask
For you do not wish to waste a single breath
on me....

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Beautiful Scars October 5, 2016 at 7:20 AM For you do not wish to waste a single breath on me....love that line Richard... Congrats on your placement:)-luloo

John Lawless October 4, 2016 at 6:12 PM Well Richard this one hit close to the head and heart of growing up in the "children should be seen and not heard" era. The final lines are devastating. Thanks for dropping this one in the contest.

Anne-Lise Andresen August 2, 2016 at 6:22 AM - Congratulations on your winning poem Richard, a lovely poem to read - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Adri Dew October 4, 2015 at 10:16 AM prisoner of pause ... A-7 Loved it

Arthur Vaso September 29, 2015 at 9:37 PM If I ever had to explain this situation to anyone, well, I think I would do so by having them read this poem! Excellent piece of writing here!

Robert Lindley September 27, 2015 at 1:50 PM Give attention, give ears and diligent considerations! What too many men fail to do . The ladies love that and it should be given them. Great poem Richard, A7.. Richard Lamoureux September 27, 2015 at 6:08 PM Thanks Robert, much appreciated.

Laura Breidenthal September 26, 2015 at 2:32 PM Amazing job, Richard. Truly a refreshing read. Your resilience and kindness, the willingness to listen is a special quality. The hope that the other will show some interest in return is touching. I can relate to this poem and feel the pain. The ending line bites. Excellent writing! Always, Laura Richard Lamoureux September 27, 2015 at 7:22 AM Thanks once. Again Laura.;0)

Demetrios Trifiatis September 25, 2015 at 5:05 AM A look into the labyrinth of human nature presented in a very eloquent way! Excellent dear, Richard! Richard Lamoureux September 25, 2015 at 5:22 AM Thanks Demetrios.

Cherl Dunn September 24, 2015 at 9:44 PM Dear Richard Had to read this one again, loved it alot the message and the way you've done it is just awesome to our times, cheri Richard Lamoureux September 25, 2015 at 4:41 AM Thanks for giving my poem more thought.

Andrea Dietrich September 24, 2015 at 2:47 PM gosh, Richard, i don't know if this is a personal one or not, but this is such a sickening feeling when we think someone cares so little for us. I don't think I really have this in my life. Maybe I did in the past. An emotion very well expressed. Richard Lamoureux September 25, 2015 at 4:41 AM I'm glad you don't have this in your life Andrea.

Emile Pinet September 24, 2015 at 12:09 PM Well written, with heart felt emotions that rose from your words and lodged themselves in the readers heart and soul. Emile. #7 Richard Lamoureux September 25, 2015 at 4:42 AM Thanks for the comment and the 7 Emile.

Kp Nunez September 24, 2015 at 10:37 AM A deeply honest and soul-baring poem, Rick. I get the feeling that these writes are cathartic for you. Painful experiences and getting them out of your chest make you the deeply sensitive writer that you are. You are much appreciated. hugs! Richard Lamoureux September 24, 2015 at 11:37 AM Yes Cathartic is a good word.:0)

Carol Eastman September 24, 2015 at 10:37 AM Such a sad write... It seemed so real... You captured it perfectly... Hope it wasn't from experience... Richard Lamoureux September 24, 2015 at 11:36 AM Unfortunately it is from experience. Thanks for commenting.

Cherl Dunn September 23, 2015 at 10:07 PM Dear Richard What a special piece of honest realism, it's a sad reality of our times that from those whom ask so little recieve nothing except absense, cheri Richard Lamoureux September 24, 2015 at 11:38 AM You speak the truth. Thanks.

Wilma Neels September 23, 2015 at 8:51 AM Emotional and heartbreaking Richard, what is even more sad is that this is something that happens more often than none. The people that are so wrapped up in their own world don't realise the impact their absenteeism has on those who wants their attention even for just a second. Awesome write and l love the title :) Richard Lamoureux September 24, 2015 at 11:39 AM Thanks so much Wilma.

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser September 23, 2015 at 8:21 AM Richard, I in a way have experienced your write... makes me remember the times but anyhow, I am glad I surpassed them.. They made me who I am today. Heartfelt write and a good way to poke some hearts and minds.. `Olive Eloisa=` ) Richard Lamoureux September 24, 2015 at 11:39 AM I am glad you have as well Olive.

Constance La France September 23, 2015 at 8:02 AM Richard, how beautifully deep and emotional is this write 7 and I agree about the painful memories being a source of inspiration, I always say sorrow has made me the poet I am. And thanks for visiting my poem, erotic love flowing ~~ Richard Lamoureux September 24, 2015 at 11:40 AM Yes I know you can relate. Hugs Rick.

Afolabi Muideen September 22, 2015 at 6:55 PM What a very emotive piece Ric. I don't like to be neglected, but to love, care for, stand by,etc. This was beautifully constructed...a very brilliant write........A.M. Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:41 PM Thanks so much Am.

Laura Leiser September 22, 2015 at 4:58 PM Well written, Richard. Sounds like the person may just be too wrapped up in themselves. How sad if they are family members :( Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:42 PM Thanks Laura.

Tim Smith September 22, 2015 at 4:32 PM So sad Richard. You want to be loved, to be heard, to be noticed but he only notices himself. It makes me want to go talk to my children and to just listen to them. Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:48 PM That is a good idea Tim, I'm sure they will appreciate it very much although I suspect you do it on a regular basis.

Mama Bear September 22, 2015 at 4:05 PM Your desire is there but the reality will probably never happen How sad for you but also for the other person for that person does not know what he is missing since the ego is too big for room for you as well. What a waste but you do well to ignore the loss and move on with a rewarding life on your own. Too bad for the loss but you make up for it in other ways. No matter what know I am proud of you and that I love you with all my being. Mom Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:46 PM Thanks mom, you are a great source of joy and I feel seen by you. Sadly Dad took away a bit from each of us. I think overall we all came out pretty well. I'm glad we had the time together mom. I love you.

Eileen Manassian September 22, 2015 at 12:39 PM I read between the lines...painful. The need to be heard...appreciated....loved. Real...and deep. Hugs Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:49 PM Thanks and that is so true of all of us, we do want the people we love to see us. Hugs back to you.

Nette Onclaud September 22, 2015 at 11:27 AM to be emotionally connected to another in a space of intimacy is a basic human need.. your delicate, endearing piece reaches out to me, rich... well done!.. huggs Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:50 PM Thanks and s big hug to you Nette.

Miraj Raha September 22, 2015 at 11:25 AM I love the sentiments expressed in this piece.It's quite true,we always like to talk about ourselves,not heeding or caring what others have to say,if one day we succeed in doing that,the world will be a much better place. Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:51 PM A better place indeed! Thanks for the thoughtful comment.

Michael Tor September 22, 2015 at 11:22 AM Richard this is sadly heartfelt. Wow. I can sense the wanting of attention, and communication from this special person. I also see in a distant relationship where this person is not making an effort of reaching out in love and in knowing you. It is so sad. You recognizing all this and wondering why. I feel the other person was selfish in their own way. I don't know if this was a real life write or if its a true account. The way you write this with so much knowledge I feel its real. Michael Tor September 24, 2015 at 9:59 AM I realize from your comment it was your father. I'm so sorry Richard for the pain he caused you. I can tell by your comments your Dear mother made up for any hurt you experienced. You have a wonderful mom, and are blessed to have one like that. I hope there is peace within you my friend. Parents aren't always perfect sometimes its the way they were raised. Not knowing any better. I know no words can ease those memories. I know you loved your dad and it hurts. I'm sorry. Richard Lamoureux September 22, 2015 at 10:52 PM Thanks for this sensitive comment, much appreciated.

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