Richard Lamoureux Poet Free verse

Between Your Words

Between Your Words

Dad
I tried my best 
to live between your cruel words
Yet there was no room
I felt less
smaller than small
Like a comma that didn't fit
a period in the wrong place
a question not deserving  an answer

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

I now have room at the end of your sentences.
Not forced within the confines of your spaces
No longer force fed the 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 of possible
My cliff is of note
worthy of jumping from
For I am not Icarus 
I have no reason to fear the sun
Only your ice will melt from my wings

I do not wish to relive your convoluted nightmare
The drifting of your mind
Those  barriers to my existence
Freedom at last!
Yes freedom at the end of your sentences.

Dedicated to anyone who has been caught between words.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

1 2

Valsa George December 16, 2023 at 8:35 AM "I felt less smaller than small Like a comma that didn't fit" This poem evokes powerful sentiments. How sad you were under your tyrannous father. I can hear the beats of your vulnerable heart. I am sure you don't harbor any bitterness for your father and you have forgiven him. A well composed piece to have been honored as POTD Richard Lamoureux December 16, 2023 at 8:40 AM I wrote another piece after this one titled Eddie. It is me finding compassion for my dad. Thanks for reading and commenting.

John Hamilton October 9, 2023 at 10:57 AM Belated congrats Richatd on potd. You know I understand completely, well written and glad the cycle of abuse is broken. Richard Lamoureux October 9, 2023 at 3:02 PM Much appreciated.

Harveen Kaur September 10, 2023 at 1:25 AM Quite emotional and it’s brilliantly written. I like the lines- like a comma that didn’t fit, a period in the wrong place— i really love how you have expressed yourself here and it is truly awe inspiring. Richard Lamoureux September 10, 2023 at 7:08 AM Much appreciated. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Nancy Kaufman September 9, 2023 at 3:08 PM Belated congratulations Richard on this well written POTD. There's no excuse for verbal abuse but so many of did growing up in our homes. Thank you for writing this very beautifully written and so poetically well skilled poem on such an important topic. Richard Lamoureux September 10, 2023 at 7:10 AM Thanks for reading both poems. I appreciate your words and compassion.

Deb M September 8, 2023 at 7:27 AM Sad, touching and oh so honest Richard….just lovely! Congratulations on POTD…..Debx Richard Lamoureux September 8, 2023 at 8:39 AM Much appreciated.

Sotto Poet September 7, 2023 at 5:55 AM The bond that exists between my Father and me is unbreakable; it is a force that runs deep within the soul. As I read your words, they penetrate the depths of my being, I can feel the pulsating rhythm of your heart, synchronized with every sentiment you convey. In order to progress and grow, it is essential to release the shackles of the past, allowing ourselves to move forward into the unknown. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, for receiving the esteemed honor of POTD. Richard Lamoureux September 7, 2023 at 7:07 AM Much appreciated. Please read my poem Eddie, it’s one of the pieces to this puzzle.

Arthur Vaso September 6, 2023 at 9:06 PM All I can say is this really resonated with me, great write! Congrats on POTD Richard Lamoureux September 7, 2023 at 7:07 AM Thanks buddy.

Gary Radice September 6, 2023 at 12:24 AM "I now have room at the end of your sentences." What a wonderful line among many Richard. A room to breathe, reflect, ask questions and to try to make sense of what's been before. Room, too, that has helped craft this poignant but ultimately positive poem...in your own words. Cheers - Gary Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:39 AM Much appreciated. Thanks for giving it a read and taking time to comment. Do check out the sequel I posted yesterday. It helps make sense of this piece.

Akkina Downing September 5, 2023 at 7:46 PM Such an emotive poem, Richard. A big contrast on POTD. :) Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:40 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 10:16 PM Thanks Akkina.

Brandy Nicole September 5, 2023 at 7:05 PM Dear Richard, there's so many out there that have been, ''caught between words.'' I can honestly say, the connection is strong between me and father. My mother too. They are my rock ! I cherish my moments with them. Your words are difficult to read. I can feel your heart, and every emotion within. Moving forward is best, as you let go of the past. Congratulations, on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:40 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 10:17 PM As it should be. I am happy for you. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Jan Allison September 5, 2023 at 2:59 PM I can relate big time Richard and wrote my poem called 'broken' it is cathartic to write about our experiences in life and sad to see so many can relate, many congrats on POTD Rick:-) hugs Jan xx Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:40 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:30 PM Thanks Jan. It was a pleasant surprise that it was chosen. I too am sorry so many have similar experiences.

David Kavanagh September 5, 2023 at 2:42 PM I often wonder why in some families, one sibling grows up to be like the nasty parent, and another grows up to be the salt of the earth, even though both were treated equally bad by that parent, congratulations on a though provoking and deserved POTD, cheers David Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:41 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. David Kavanagh September 5, 2023 at 4:00 PM I’m delighted to hear Richard that that particular cycle was completely broken, cheers David Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:32 PM Fortunately my brother and sister also broke the cycle. Thanks for the visit David.

Arlo Parker September 5, 2023 at 12:31 PM Often we don't know the pain others bear. Never do we deserve their pain expressed. Forgive and move on; our only hope. POTD sad and earned. :o/ Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:41 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:33 PM Yes forgiveness is more about ourselves that the o es we forgive.

Eve Roper September 5, 2023 at 9:58 AM Back with congratulations on POTD Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:41 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:34 PM Thanks Eve.

Charmaine Chircop September 5, 2023 at 9:31 AM Congratulations Rick..Glad to re-read this gem. Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:42 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:35 PM Much appreciated. Hugs Rick.

Paula Goldsmith September 5, 2023 at 7:10 AM Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed your powerful write/great ending. Love your line, "I now have room at the end of your sentences." Have a great/blessed day writing away............. Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:42 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:35 PM Much appreciated.

Linda Alice Fowler September 5, 2023 at 7:02 AM Reflective insight at its best Richard. Congratulations on POTD! :) Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:42 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:36 PM Thanks. :0)

Tania Kitchin September 5, 2023 at 6:57 AM Richard, a sad, emotive poem, wonderfully penned, congratulations on POTD! Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:43 AM Check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:36 PM Thanks Tania.

Ink Empress September 5, 2023 at 6:45 AM This deserved Potd! Well done, and i hope many would read and know they are not alone feeling this, theres many who feel this way. Congratulations Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:43 AM Please check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 3:37 PM You are kind, much appreciated.

Bill Baker September 5, 2023 at 6:35 AM Your poem resonates strongly with me, Richard. A mindful write after contemplation. Congratulations on your POTD! Have a great day! Bill ps I'm following your poetry now. Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:44 AM Thanks Bill. Please check out the sequel I posted yesterday.

Suzanne Delaney September 5, 2023 at 6:09 AM Rich: Your poem is such an example of self realization in a positive way and as unseeing seeker says with Ho’oponopono Your healing will begin. I always think these encounters with cruelty only make you stronger in the end. Bless you, friend, SuZ Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:44 AM Please check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 6:11 AM Yes that can be true a yet I have witnessed the opposite as well. Thanks for your thoughtful visit.

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart September 5, 2023 at 5:49 AM Wow. This hit me like an eloquent MackTruck. Powerful piece! Congratulations on POTD. Faving this one for safe keeping. (my eyes are leaking) xomo Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:44 AM Please check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 5:51 AM You are sweet. Thanks for your emotive response.

Vijay Pandit September 5, 2023 at 5:47 AM BIG congrats on POTD, Richard. Your poem tugs the heart. Highly emotive, reflective! Enjoy your special day today. Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:45 AM Please check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 5:48 AM Much appreciated Vijay.

Constance La France September 5, 2023 at 5:38 AM Richard, your poem is raw and heartbreaking, yes, many have been caught between the words, congratulations on the deserving, POEM OF THE DAY, honor Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:45 AM Please check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 5:45 AM Thanks dear Constance.

Warren Doll September 5, 2023 at 5:26 AM Richard, congratulations on POTD. So, deserved. Each line and stanza better than the last~ Warren. Richard Lamoureux September 6, 2023 at 5:46 AM Please check out the sequel I posted yesterday. Richard Lamoureux September 5, 2023 at 5:31 AM Thanks Warren.

1 2