Home » Poems » Richard Lamoureux » A Wobbly Wheel

A Wobbly Wheel

It wasn't my first choice To put all my stuff In the shopping cart I found behind the Walmart I don't even care about the wonky wheel Somehow It gives it the perfect feel I have never been one of the ones to go in a straight line So I like it just fine Some might think I'm a bit strange Trying to cling onto some of my old life stuff A small comfort on the street that most people don't think of as rough Less is more when you don't have enough Giving up even that is kinda tough I'm not out to hurt anyone I just want to be left alone Instead someone called to complain with their iPhone "The guy with the shopping cart is out there again" They don't want to see inconvenient truths So I'm left to feel the pain my cart confiscated all my stuff poured out left in a pile in the rain. Maybe someone could give me a room Instead of sweeping me away with a bylaw broom It wouldn't have to be a big room just a small one to start A bit larger than a shopping cart Now that would be something to warm more than my heart A shopping cart initiative Trade up to a space I'd no longer be nameless a smile on my face A little is a lot when mixed with grace Everyone yes everyone should have their own place I wrote this piece after bylaw enforcement officers confiscated the shopping carts of some of our homeless population down town Kelowna.

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Elizabeth Kinch

Date: 11/17/2017 8:52:00 PM

Excellent portrayal. Helping the homeless is not always easy, especially when they struggle with their demons.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 10/29/2016 11:26:00 PM

Very heartfelt emotional poem, I often wonder, and confess to some guilt, that if I am not part of the solution, am I part of the problem? I can say that by reading all the poetry here, even my own, it has made me more conscious of the those less fortunate. Thank you for bringing this to light! :)

Becca Teagan

Date: 10/29/2016 3:05:00 PM

This is a powerful write. I wish everyone could have a place of their own. Very well done.

Becca Teagan
Date: 10/30/2016 12:01:00 AM

Very mean! Where is compassion?

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/29/2016 3:56:00 PM

Me too. Thanks for visiting. I wrote this one after a number of our homless population had their shopping carts confiscated. It was a really mean thing to do.

Sandra Haight

Date: 10/28/2016 7:25:00 PM

You express so much through the thoughts of this poor homeless person, Richard, who only asks for space "A bit larger than a shopping cart...Now that would be something...to warm more than my heart." Such little things can mean so much. Congratulations on your fine win. Sandra

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/28/2016 7:42:00 PM

Thanks Sandra, much appreciated.

Agnes Krampe

Date: 10/27/2016 12:20:00 PM

Congrats, Richard. You did such a good job creating a glimpse into this person's world. Agnes

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/28/2016 5:33:00 PM

Thanks Agnes.

John Hamilton

Date: 10/27/2016 10:27:00 AM

Back with congrats on a great placement in a tough contest!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/28/2016 5:33:00 PM

Thanks John.

Nette Onclaud

Date: 10/26/2016 10:08:00 PM

so sad that with wars going one, more people are homeless... wonderful piece , rich,and big congrats!..huggs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/28/2016 5:34:00 PM

Thanks and hugs back.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/26/2016 8:33:00 PM

Richard, the winners list so far has been amazing and your poem is one more quality piece I am seeing as I work my way down it. I love this. It says so much about this person's feelings and thoughts. Congrats on a well deserved win.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/26/2016 8:40:00 PM

Thanks Andrea.

Carrie Richards

Date: 10/26/2016 7:44:00 PM

You made me think of someone I may have just seen a few days ago.. We all have seen someone just like you have described, .... you made him real ! Congrats to you!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/26/2016 7:50:00 PM

Thanks Carrie. I look forward to checking out the winners list.

John Hamilton

Date: 10/25/2016 4:42:00 PM

Great write Richard reminds me of your but he's not shopping poem, great reminder, should do well in the contest!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/26/2016 7:46:00 PM

Hi John, I modified that piece to first person to meet the parameters of the contest. Thanks for the positive comment.

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 10/25/2016 10:20:00 AM

I believe everyone deserves a home, no matter how little. Great write to perhaps stimulate some deaf ears!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/26/2016 7:47:00 PM

I agree. Thanks Armand.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 10/24/2016 10:14:00 PM

Brilliant poem, Richard. Excellent insight into some a sad issue. I've been homeless and I know the feeling of isolation and people shunning you like you're a leper. Great write. I got some poems on the subject, but I feel other voices should weigh in on this. Much love to you. RW

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/24/2016 10:42:00 PM

Thanks Freddie, I'm sorry that was part of your life experience.

Daniel Turner

Date: 10/24/2016 5:45:00 PM

Richard, you just seem to have a way of telling it like it is and getting into one's heart. Very sad but spot on. Great writing as usual:)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/24/2016 5:48:00 PM

Thanks Daniel. You are kind.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 10/24/2016 4:11:00 PM

That's a wonderful write, Richard....Being swept away with the bylaw broom I thought was splendidly worded. This is a deep message. Sometimes it's just easier to look away..."I was naked...and you clothed me....hungry...and you fed me....Homeless...with just a shopping cart...and you took me in." Bless you

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/24/2016 4:44:00 PM

Hi Eileen, I rewrote this one to a first person perspective, I quite like the result. Alway great day to receive your encouragement. Hugs Rick.