Richard Lamoureux Poet Free verse

Between the Words of My Father

I tried my best 
To live between your cruel words
Yet there was no room
I felt less
Smaller than small
So why didn't I fit?

I wonder
Now that you are gone
Who's words had you borrowed?
Did the pain you gave to me come from another's broken heart?
Was it too much to bare?

I now have room at the end of your sentences.
Not forced within the confines of your spaces
Tracing the manicured pearls of your wisdom
You have not had the last word
I am not doomed to your hypothesis
I'm willing to dance on the edge
My cliff is of note
worthy of jumping from
For I am not Icarus 
There is no reason to fear the sun
Only your ice will melt from my wings

I do not wish to re-live your convoluted nightmare
The drifting of your mind
Those  barriers to my existence
Freedom at last
Yes
Freedom
At the end
Yes
At the end of your sentences.




The lesson I learned is that the only one who can define my being is me.
I also learned that painful words and curses can be passed on from generation to generation unless we put a stop to it. I thank God for the strength He provided me. I have been blessed beyond what I expected as a child.

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Rhonda Johnson-Saunders May 18, 2020 at 10:59 PM Hi Richard, reading through some of my FAVEs tonight and this one is a stand out. I simply love the beauty in its honesty and hope. I remember how I related to it the first time I read it. I hope you and yours are staying safe and well. xx Rhonda Richard Lamoureux May 19, 2020 at 10:42 AM Thanks for saving it and coming back to read it.

Barbara Barry-Nishanian July 16, 2018 at 3:48 PM May I echo, every one's comments. I can see how my,'Time to Discard Baggage' let you know how very much I would appreciate this sensitive and beautiful poem, I have and will reread again. Richard Lamoureux July 16, 2018 at 5:02 PM Thanks for such a thoughtful response.

Peter Walsh March 31, 2017 at 6:38 AM What hasn't killed you ... has indeed made you stronger ...

Peter Walsh March 31, 2017 at 6:37 AM Beautiful enlightening piece... no one can truly define us but ourselves and God ... Richard Lamoureux March 31, 2017 at 7:27 AM That is a truth that many are in the process of learning. Thanks for commenting Peter.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart March 19, 2017 at 10:06 AM Yes indeed Richard, a very similar wounding experience and philosophy thereafter. Beautiful write about that ugliness. Thank you for sharing this me. xomo! Richard Lamoureux March 19, 2017 at 10:17 AM Thanks for checking it out Maureen. Hugs Rick.

Keith O.J. Hunt March 6, 2017 at 6:44 PM I have to fave this Richard; this is simply one of the best poems I've read in awhile. It seems you've found your way through the thorns and brambles, I commend your courage and poetic expression:-) Richard Lamoureux March 19, 2017 at 9:24 AM Sorry for the late response to your thoughtful reaction. Time is at such a premium I have gotten far behind.

Andrew Jarvis February 27, 2017 at 2:02 AM I can relate to this entirely. My father was a cruel man in his younger days, but now he's just a very old man with nothing left to say. Now I'm older I realise his father was the same way. With God's help I've put an end to it. As they say, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" :-) Richard Lamoureux February 27, 2017 at 8:08 AM Amen to that. I wrote a book titled DUMMY, Hurtful and Healing Words. It deals with the aftermath of my Father's words and my healing. Thanks for commenting.

Rhonda Johnson-Saunders February 27, 2017 at 12:43 AM With tears, I commend you for sharing! I have a similar story with my mother. She could be very cruel when she drank. She can still be cruel and harsh but not in the same way now that she's older. I try to love the nurturing mother side of her. Perhaps one day I'll have the courage to write about her abusive side. She doesn't read my poetry so she'd probably never know...thanks for sharing this. It goes into my FAVES. Hugs, Rhonda Richard Lamoureux February 27, 2017 at 8:14 AM Writing about it is quite healing. After I writing my book I have had many conversations with people like yourself who have gone through similar experiences. These conversations have made me feel much less alone. I'm glad I got to talk to my dad before he died. Difficult but necessary conversations.

Connie Marcum Wong February 25, 2017 at 7:15 PM Richard, your keen ability to try to understand instead of embracing bitterness is commendable. When our parents are not what we wish they could be we often over compensate with our own children, showering them with love, or take on the learned behavior. The choice is ours to make and you convey this wonderfully in your wise poem Richard. Bravo! ; ) 7 Richard Lamoureux February 27, 2017 at 8:18 AM Thanks Connie, with the help of my wife and God our son is thriving. He is compassionate, interesting, interested and enjoying a professional career. What more could we ask for? We are very thankful. We also appreciate his friends as they provide us much hope for the future.

Felicia Jarvis February 22, 2017 at 1:53 AM You wonderfully and beautifully described the problem passed from parents to children in this poem with well selected words. Thank you. Richard Lamoureux February 22, 2017 at 8:20 AM Thanks Felicia.

John Hamilton February 17, 2017 at 12:39 PM I concur 100% Rick, we do not have to allow anyone to mold us or define us, except for the Great Potter of course. I've moved past the pain as well a long time ago, now just feel sorry for him. Richard Lamoureux February 22, 2017 at 8:21 AM I try to see the kid he once was and that helps me feel more tenderly towards him.

Andrea Dietrich February 13, 2017 at 5:53 PM WOw. Amazing poetry. FAVE Richard Lamoureux February 14, 2017 at 8:11 AM Thanks Andrea.;0)

Eileen Manassian February 11, 2017 at 5:37 PM So much between your sentences that makes the mind wonder and grieve. I care so much for who you are that it pains me to know anyone could have made you feel less than a worthwhile person. Yes...I believe sometimes life cripples our hearts and we cripple others to ease the pain. I'm glad you can fly, dear. My priveledge is to watch you in flight. Richard Lamoureux February 12, 2017 at 7:47 PM No need to grieve, life is good. Thanks for being so caring. Hugs Rick.

Charmaine Chircop February 11, 2017 at 4:04 PM Cont..Compassionate towards him.In my case though..Im not passing my pain to my girl..but I decided to learn from it and act exactly the opposite.Yes I want to be all my dad isnt..I lknow how good and positive you are..So indeed your life story made you the special wise .. kind..person you are. A fave Richard Lamoureux February 12, 2017 at 7:48 PM You are a good person so all is as it should be. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

Charmaine Chircop February 11, 2017 at 3:59 PM Indeed I can feel every word you've written.My relationship with my dad was always one sided ...He was always negative about everything due to his depression..So I always felt as if I do not have a dad...It took me many years to accept my life story. Indeed as you stated-Did the pain to me came from another's broken heart?'.I so believe people can carry with them the torment of their past and take it on others without knowing it..Like you I believe my dad suffered in his past so I try to be

Darren White February 9, 2017 at 11:59 PM This incredibly beautiful poem fills me with sadness and happiness for you the same time. you found the strength to survive. I walk a similar but different path, and your words give me hope for the future. Thank you. May your belief continue to give you strength and may there always be people walking your path with you. Fave. Richard Lamoureux February 11, 2017 at 1:36 PM Thanks Darren.;0)

Elizabeth Kinch February 9, 2017 at 4:38 PM When spirit triumphs it truly is magnificent and often makes one stronger than they could ever imagine. Congratulations on finding positivity from negatives. A soulful write and definitely worthy of a 7. Richard Lamoureux February 11, 2017 at 1:36 PM Thanks Elizabeth.

Freddie Robinson Jr. February 9, 2017 at 1:42 PM Very soul-stirring, a triumph of the spirit this poem offers to us, Richard. An emotionally charged poem that shoot sparks of truth and past hurts amended. Wonderful poetry, very insightful. Love and joy to you. Richard Lamoureux February 11, 2017 at 1:39 PM Thanks Freddie, on my way to visit your space.

Daniel Turner February 9, 2017 at 11:07 AM Painful lessons learned are never forgotten, Richard. We take the good, leave the bad and go from there. Are we ever really free from the past or do we just make peace with it? Great write Richard Lamoureux February 11, 2017 at 1:43 PM Good question, I suspect we make peace, some scars are very deep.

Mama Bear February 9, 2017 at 8:56 AM You have had the strength to overcome the negativity of your father He was a troubled man and was never happy and wanted everyone else around him to also be unhappy You survived better than your siblings which is amazing More power to you and may you help others in similar circumstances Big 7 on this one knowing where it comes from Love Mom Richard Lamoureux February 9, 2017 at 9:07 AM Thanks mom, I have no complaints, life is good. I love you.

Probir Gupta February 9, 2017 at 8:27 AM What a precious freedom ... Very true epilogue ... Very well written ... Richard Lamoureux February 9, 2017 at 9:07 AM Thanks Probir.

Arthur Vaso February 8, 2017 at 10:41 PM When I met you you were tall not small, kind not belittle, warm, not cold, your smile was your introduction, you were quiet not loud, yet very open and had not a cloud. It is you who will ultimately help define others, and the world should be thankful of that! :) Richard Lamoureux February 9, 2017 at 9:09 AM A kind thing to say Arthur.

Carol B. February 8, 2017 at 10:40 PM You're an amazing person Richard! I can't imagine how difficult your childhood must have been. You have a kind word for everyone. It takes strength and courage to break the cycle. I respect you a great deal. Richard Lamoureux February 9, 2017 at 9:11 AM Kindness has been shown to me by God so it is a natural response. Thanks for such a thoughtful comment.