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Blind Butterfly

I beat my wings At the moment of exhale Unaware the air had grown stale I was a white washed wasp With no sting in my tale Maybe because daddy bent my mind when he told me I was destined to fail Teacher, you taught me I didn’t need to get high to fly When you exhaled I felt myself sigh You made me try instead of cry To change my flight path I needed a scoop of double-you and why Then the gravity of his depravity couldn’t mystify I became a different guy When my mind stopped buzzing I transformed into a colour blind butterfly with words worthy of a sigh I stopped seeing people through his deranged eyes His heart was willfully unwise I stopped believing those malignant lies We come in many colours “No Justice no peace” Solutions aren’t just one size All parts of society need to rise. Black, white, yellow and brown Those who are up and down Look around your town Let’s listen to each other’s heart pound Don’t fear being woke It’s time to wake up, shake up make a God fearing joyful sound Compassion lost can be found Nobody should be bent or hell bound Look to the heavens for answers while keeping both feet firmly on the ground.

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Valsa George

Date: 10/12/2023 10:24:00 PM

Even parents can hurt us through their thoughtless words. If from teachers also when disheartening words come, that will leave wounds within us. Fortunately by the grace of God, you could rise above all such negativity. Now you are no more a blind butterfly. You may spread your wings and fly. A touching poem dear Richard !

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/13/2023 5:36:00 AM

Thanks for reading and for your eloquent response.

Juliet Ligon

Date: 10/9/2023 6:04:00 PM

The continuous string of rhymes is really cool, like a rap. Though your dad left some scars, It sounds like your teacher was an amazing influence to put you on the right path.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/10/2023 7:04:00 AM

Thanks Juliet, I was going for a rap feel. Yes a single person can have a profound effect on a person’s life.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 10/7/2023 3:25:00 PM

Your poem was totally engaging, Richard. I love the use of the blind butterfly--I'm grateful that you broke free of the negative cocoon your dad created for you. That's sad in my book. Then the impact of a teacher helped clear your mind and your eyes. What a wonderful experience. As a former teacher, I always hoped I'd have that kind of an impact on my students whom I knew just needed some TLC. You're right, compassion lost can be found. You're lproof of that no one should be bent or hell bound

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/8/2023 5:29:00 AM

In my book DUMMY, “Hurtful and Healing Words”, I dedicated a chapter to teachers. I think teaching is a noble vocation. I have no doubt you made a difference in your students lives. As a child after being sent to sit in the hall a teacher I didn’t know placed a soft hand on my face. Just being seen made a difference.

Bill Baker

Date: 10/6/2023 4:46:00 PM

A FAV for my list, Rick. As youngsters, the influence of negative parent or parents can be very destructive. Having the strength to decide to become who we are instead of who they said we were, takes courage. The influence of a caring teacher can sometimes be all it takes to encourage a student to step up to their potential. I'm glad you had one, my friend. A spiritual experience can make the difference. Your effort has paid off. Kudos for the effort. A poet friend in Texas, Bill

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/7/2023 6:16:00 AM

Good morning Bill. Thanks for your visit. You always bring a smile.

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 10/5/2023 10:20:00 PM

Poem was very different with many twists and turns. It had the surprise of an emerging butterfly. I salute you.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/5/2023 10:27:00 PM

Thanks Hilda.

Curie Stark

Date: 10/5/2023 3:16:00 AM

Beautiful poem

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/5/2023 6:15:00 AM

Thanks.

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 10/4/2023 10:29:00 AM

this has the feeling of real experience behind it..i'm glad you managed to rise above the pain of the past..thanks for your comment on my work

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/4/2023 11:34:00 AM

Much appreciated, thanks for reading and commenting.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/4/2023 8:20:00 AM

- So true and lovely written, Richard :) - hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/4/2023 11:35:00 AM

Thanks and a big hug back.

Karen Jones

Date: 10/4/2023 7:14:00 AM

I love the optimism and the imagery. Well done.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/4/2023 8:06:00 AM

Thanks Karen.

Tom Woody

Date: 10/4/2023 6:22:00 AM

Nice poem of healing and overcoming childhood trauma. Whether the teacher was Jesus or someone representing him the message was clear: We all have worth.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/4/2023 6:31:00 AM

Thanks Tom. I appreciate your visits. Thankfully my change cam early. God sent an Angel named Mr. Lake when I was in grade 6.