Richard Lamoureux Poet Free verse

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 February 25, 2017 at 9:06 PM It was presented almost humorously in pleasant juxtaposition with the obvious frustration. Richard Lamoureux February 26, 2017 at 8:22 AM Thanks, that was my intention otherwise it might have been more uncomfortable to read.

Robert Lindley January 5, 2017 at 11:58 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 February 26, 2017 at 8:23 AM Sorry for the delay in responding. Thanks Robert.

Darren White January 1, 2017 at 12:46 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 February 26, 2017 at 8:24 AM You said it so well Darren. Much appreciated.

Freddie Robinson Jr. December 23, 2016 at 1:35 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 December 23, 2016 at 8:25 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 December 14, 2016 at 8:33 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 December 23, 2016 at 8:26 AM Thanks Akkina, sorry I took so long to respond.

Eileen Manassian December 13, 2016 at 8:13 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 December 13, 2016 at 8:16 PM That would be very nice. Hugs back.

Becca Teagan December 10, 2016 at 10:58 PM Many can relate to this! Very good writing.. makes a strong point, and reminder. Richard Lamoureux December 11, 2016 at 1:50 AM Hi Becca, thanks.;0)

Elaine George December 9, 2016 at 5:35 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 December 10, 2016 at 10:01 AM Thanks Elaine, it is good that we can leave bits of ourselves out in the world.

Andrea Dietrich December 8, 2016 at 6:12 PM oops, I meant excellent of course. Richard Lamoureux December 8, 2016 at 8:47 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 December 8, 2016 at 6:11 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 December 7, 2016 at 4:10 PM I can relate to this Richard, I know how you feel. Excellent write. At least +7 // Barry. Richard Lamoureux December 9, 2016 at 9:41 AM Thank you kind sir.

Mama Bear December 6, 2016 at 7:39 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 December 7, 2016 at 8:35 AM You are sweet mom, lots of love back to you.

Arthur Vaso December 6, 2016 at 6:21 PM Forgot the 7! Richard Lamoureux December 6, 2016 at 7:22 PM Thanks Arthur.

Arthur Vaso December 6, 2016 at 6:21 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 December 6, 2016 at 7:22 PM I'm sure each of us has been guilty of that at different times.

Jerome Malenfant December 6, 2016 at 1:27 PM Really nice! Richard Lamoureux December 6, 2016 at 1:50 PM Thanks Jerome.

Daniel Turner December 6, 2016 at 8:44 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 December 6, 2016 at 12:51 PM Your tastebuds are astute my friend. Thanks for the visit.

Paloma P December 6, 2016 at 6:20 AM A very relatable portrayal of a non-Norman Rockwell setting. Those paintings rarely depict reality. Richard Lamoureux December 6, 2016 at 7:28 AM Thanks Paloma.

Charmaine Chircop December 6, 2016 at 6:05 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 December 6, 2016 at 7:33 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 December 6, 2016 at 3:43 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 December 6, 2016 at 7:35 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 December 6, 2016 at 1:23 AM Richard, excellent, with a heart-breaking ending. Richard Lamoureux December 6, 2016 at 7:36 AM Thanks Doug, much appreciated.