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But He's Not Shopping

It wasn't his first choice To put all his stuff In the shopping cart he found behind the Walmart He didn't even care about the wonky wheel Somehow It gave it the perfect feel He was never one of the ones to go in a straight line So he liked it just fine Some might think he's a bit strange Trying to cling onto some of his 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 He's not out to hurt anyone He just wants 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 he's left to feel the pain his cart confiscated all his stuff poured out left in a pile in the rain. Maybe someone could give the guy a room Instead of sweeping him 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 his heart A shopping cart initiative Trade up to a space People no longer nameless a smile on their face A little is a lot when mixed with grace Everyone Yes everyone should have their own place

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Paul Callus

Date: 3/24/2016 10:27:00 AM

I must have missed this excellent poem, Richard; glad to have clicked on it now. I understand that there are many homeless people, even in economically well-off countries; it does not seem fair when others have more than they need (though it's not for me to judge), and governments should work harder on solving these problems. // paul

Michael Tor

Date: 3/22/2016 10:30:00 AM

Heartfelt and true my friend.

Casarah Nance

Date: 3/22/2016 9:49:00 AM

wow, moving story richard, you are such a fantastic story teller, I can see everything as you present your words. hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/22/2016 9:53:00 AM

You are sweet, thanks Casarah.

Cherl Dunn

Date: 3/19/2016 11:09:00 AM

Dear Richard Congrats on being POTD, very interesting poem my friend enjoyed the read, and thanks for your feedback on my newest piece take care, cheri dunn

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/20/2016 4:33:00 PM

Thanks Cheryl. ;0)

Timothy Hicks

Date: 3/16/2016 3:22:00 AM

What a story, Richard. You find inspiration in curious things, and used such endearing wordplay through out. I can't imagine calling someone up to complain about a guy with nothing but a shopping cart. "Now that would be something to warm more than his heart" ... the little things are the big things. And a little compassion can travel miles. You know how to tug at the heart strings, all the while inspiring smiles in between the lines.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/16/2016 7:46:00 AM

Thanks Timothy, I was sad when I heard news that this was happening in our city.

Lenny Gazbowski

Date: 3/15/2016 10:08:00 AM

Excellent write Richard. Its a heart breaking reality that more and more people are finding themselves in. There are answers to all the problems we are facing but when we have psychopathic politicians running things this problem will only worsen. Our planet is being raped and pillaged all in the name of profit ! As for a fictional entity called God, he won't be providing the remedy as he would have foreseen the insanity which pumps through the veins of Mankind. Sorry for the ramble !

Lenny Gazbowski
Date: 3/16/2016 1:28:00 PM

As Krishnamurti once said, 'A New Consciousness is required, we cannot keep on making the same mistakes' - roughly paraphased. There are enough of us who do care about other people and the planet, we need to connect with one another in order to usher in this New Consciousness. Richard, I've enjoyed our 'chat' and look forward to more rambles in the future.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/16/2016 9:14:00 AM

As poets we can play an important role in helping people connect emotionally with issues. There is indeed power in the pen. Thanks for weighing in.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/16/2016 9:10:00 AM

Thanks Lenny, the one you consider fictional is the reason I survived my personal nightmare. The challenges and consequences this world faces are in many cases as a result of free will. I wrote a piece called "Human Hands" that you might find of interest. As for foreseeing the insanity, the scriptures are filled with prophesy and insight into the hearts of men. We tend to ignore His warnings to our own peril. Pardon me, it appears I have done my own rambling.

Lenny Gazbowski
Date: 3/16/2016 8:39:00 AM

Hi Richard, I enjoy rambling - verbally that is and not the walking type ! I am not an atheist, more of a Taoist, and am of the school of thought that everything is connected and we are all a part of something magical. What is happening to our planet is insane, this I totally agree with, but those of us who remain silent to what is going on are as guilty as those following orders.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/16/2016 7:57:00 AM

John Hamilton

Date: 3/14/2016 11:19:00 AM

Congrats on POTD Richard. Your writing on social issues is great, nothing better than creating awareness... except for the solution which is in God's hands. If up to humans alone, these issues will never get solved, too much greed and personal ambition. Great write as always. John

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/14/2016 11:20:00 AM

Thanks John, you speak the truth.

Charlie Smith

Date: 3/13/2016 8:26:00 PM

Congratulations Richard. Great write...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/14/2016 8:56:00 AM

Thanks Charlie.

Judy Konos

Date: 3/13/2016 8:18:00 PM

Leave it to Richard to come up with the unusual and turn it into a Hit....Congratulations for poem of the day but heartier congratulations for your rare talents

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/14/2016 8:56:00 AM

You are kind Judy, your comment is good for the soul. Hugs Rick.

Sefora Baza

Date: 3/13/2016 6:55:00 PM

Nice writing. . . And so very True.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 7:05:00 PM

Thanks Safora. I will check out some of your writing.

Walter T. Ashe

Date: 3/13/2016 5:00:00 PM

"inconvenient truths" and actually for who? Him or for them! This is an "eyewitness" account for we have all seen this! Touching write! This is the "POTD" for "real life" days! Reality! Nice write!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 5:22:00 PM

Thanks Walter, it was inspired by a story on Castanet where Bi-law officers confiscated grocery carts from a number of homeless people in downtown Kelowna.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 3/13/2016 3:31:00 PM

So happy to see you here, Richard. It does my heart good to see poems of such import make it as POTD. Also...congrats on your win with Linda. :) My favorite poet is going places...has gone places...and will continue to go places. hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 5:23:00 PM

Thanks Eileen, however you have no shortage of sparkle my dear! Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 3/13/2016 3:31:00 PM

Will you let some of that sparkle fall on me???

Eve Roper

Date: 3/13/2016 1:19:00 PM

Heartfelt poem, congratulations, Richard, on poem of the day !!!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 2:08:00 PM

Much appreciated!

Nette Onclaud

Date: 3/13/2016 1:09:00 PM

i can so relate as i deal with orphans...a most compelling verse, rich... huggs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 2:08:00 PM

Thanks Nette, hugs back to you.:0)

Ralph Sergi

Date: 3/13/2016 9:12:00 AM

Hi Richard: It's sad that this issue is everywhere in North America who knew that the shopping cart would be a poignant symbol. Great write!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 9:40:00 AM

Thanks Ralph, it is indeed a sad issue.

Kimberly Heller

Date: 3/13/2016 9:12:00 AM

Great work, Richard! Very real to the unfortunate truth some have to live by...sad but I did enjoy this

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 9:40:00 AM

Thanks Kimberly.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/13/2016 7:13:00 AM

- This makes me sad .... the "naked truth" - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 8:52:00 AM

I'm so glad it was chosen so that more people talk about this important issue. Thanks for your kind words. Hugs Rick.

Jan Allison

Date: 3/13/2016 7:00:00 AM

Oh Richard this is simply heartbreaking - its not a scene I have ever observed on our Island in fact in 20 years I have only seen one visibly homeless man with his possessions in carrier bags. Many congrats on POTD:-) hugs Jan xx

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 8:58:00 AM

You live in a blessed place. Unfortunately this is a far too prevalent scene here in western Canada. Because of our warmer climate and being near a lake, many homeless people gravitate to our city. Thanks for letting me know about POTD, I'm thrilled this one is getting attention.

Laura Breidenthal

Date: 3/13/2016 12:25:00 AM

"They don't want to see inconvenient truths So he's left to feel the pain"..those lines stood out to me. Truly a gripping poem with a great message! Poor guy :/ I really appreciate the "Less is more when you don't have enough" line, and of course "A little is a lot when mixed with grace". Excellent one. You have a big heart.. Always, Laura

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 8:59:00 AM

You are sweet Laura, thanks for this great response.

Timothy Barry

Date: 3/12/2016 10:19:00 PM

Makes me sad.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2016 10:47:00 PM

Thanks Tim.

Red Fiery

Date: 3/12/2016 12:28:00 PM

Standing ovation for this....!!!!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2016 3:19:00 PM

Thanks Red! Hugs Rick.

Red Fiery

Date: 3/12/2016 12:27:00 PM

It really touched my heart ! You have brilliantly depicted the reality... Adding this to my fav... It's really that great!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2016 3:19:00 PM

Thanks for adding it to your favorites.

Constance La France

Date: 3/12/2016 11:36:00 AM

Richard, this really touched my heart, we see them all the time here in Ottawa, pushing that precious cart that is called home, wonderful, and I am living this 7 ~

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2016 3:21:00 PM

Here in Kelowna, bylaw enforcement officers took the shopping carts away. It is a sad story.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 3/12/2016 11:27:00 AM

One of your absolute bests. Richard...this moved me. I lose hope in humanity at times. I've opened my home in the past to two young ladies who had problems finding a place to stay. I've become less....caring...more introverted. Thanks for the reminder that we each had a responsibility. Lovely message. The choice of words shows your genius and loving heart. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/13/2016 9:09:00 AM

I'm thrilled this one got POTD, that way more people will read about this important topic..

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2016 3:23:00 PM

You are sweet, a big hug for you!!

Leo Larry Amadore

Date: 3/12/2016 10:11:00 AM

Noble sentiments.......encouraging empathy and helping others is certainly an appropriate subject for this site and every site.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2016 10:20:00 AM

Thanks Leo!