Richard Lamoureux Poet Rhyme

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 November 17, 2017 at 8:52 PM Excellent portrayal. Helping the homeless is not always easy, especially when they struggle with their demons.

Arthur Vaso October 29, 2016 at 11:26 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 October 29, 2016 at 3:05 PM This is a powerful write. I wish everyone could have a place of their own. Very well done. Becca Teagan October 30, 2016 at 12:01 AM Very mean! Where is compassion? Richard Lamoureux October 29, 2016 at 3:56 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 October 28, 2016 at 7:25 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 October 28, 2016 at 7:42 PM Thanks Sandra, much appreciated.

Agnes Krampe October 27, 2016 at 12:20 PM Congrats, Richard. You did such a good job creating a glimpse into this person's world. Agnes Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2016 at 5:33 PM Thanks Agnes.

John Hamilton October 27, 2016 at 10:27 AM Back with congrats on a great placement in a tough contest! Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2016 at 5:33 PM Thanks John.

Nette Onclaud October 26, 2016 at 10:08 PM so sad that with wars going one, more people are homeless... wonderful piece , rich,and big congrats!..huggs Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2016 at 5:34 PM Thanks and hugs back.

Andrea Dietrich October 26, 2016 at 8:33 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 October 26, 2016 at 8:40 PM Thanks Andrea.

Carrie Richards October 26, 2016 at 7:44 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 October 26, 2016 at 7:50 PM Thanks Carrie. I look forward to checking out the winners list.

John Hamilton October 25, 2016 at 4:42 PM Great write Richard reminds me of your but he's not shopping poem, great reminder, should do well in the contest! Richard Lamoureux October 26, 2016 at 7:46 PM Hi John, I modified that piece to first person to meet the parameters of the contest. Thanks for the positive comment.

Maurice Yvonne October 25, 2016 at 10:20 AM I believe everyone deserves a home, no matter how little. Great write to perhaps stimulate some deaf ears! Richard Lamoureux October 26, 2016 at 7:47 PM I agree. Thanks Armand.

Freddie Robinson Jr. October 24, 2016 at 10:14 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 October 24, 2016 at 10:42 PM Thanks Freddie, I'm sorry that was part of your life experience.

Daniel Turner October 24, 2016 at 5:45 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 October 24, 2016 at 5:48 PM Thanks Daniel. You are kind.

Eileen Manassian October 24, 2016 at 4:11 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 October 24, 2016 at 4:44 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.

Mama Bear October 24, 2016 at 3:17 PM Everyone needs some one or something even the homeless man on the street Well done and a 7 from me Good luck in the contest Love Mom Richard Lamoureux October 24, 2016 at 4:04 PM Thanks mom, love ya.

Tim Smith October 24, 2016 at 11:09 AM Just a kind word would do. Love how you did this Richard. Richard Lamoureux October 24, 2016 at 4:04 PM Thanks for your kind words.

Steven Henderson October 24, 2016 at 9:56 AM That is a true to life path trace. Peace and many blessings to you my friend. Richard Lamoureux October 24, 2016 at 4:05 PM You as well Steven.

Heidi Sands October 24, 2016 at 9:53 AM Richard. Excellent work!! I love it. Good luck in the contest ! :) Richard Lamoureux October 24, 2016 at 4:05 PM Thanks for being the first to comment.