Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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Can We

Be quiet quiet quiet 
Shush shush shush
We’ve spoken too much
We haven’t listened enough

Black men and women
It’s not easy to be brave
Oppression and inequality 
make you feel like a slave

Your struggles are constant
Beyond what we realize
What we take for granted
Should be a right not a prize

Stand tall men of principal
take to the streets
Chant Black Lives Matter
Share your beliefs 

We’ll be quiet quiet quiet
Shush shush shush 
We’ve spoken too much
We haven’t listened enough

Change shoulda come
So long before today
Our river of cruelty 
is still on display

Brother Malcom X
Joined with Muhammad Ali
Their life force and bodies
Cried out for humanity 

Then Sam Cooke sang to us
“Brother help me please”
So why are his people
 knocked back on their knees?

Jim Brown broke boundaries 
While playing on uneven ground 
Later movie star and activist
Why has his voice had no sound?

So yes be quiet quiet quiet
Shush shush shush
We’ve spoken too much
We haven’t listened enough  

I wrote this piece after watching “One Night in Miami”.

The struggle is real!

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Paghunda Zahid Date: 4/26/2021 4:12:00 PM Wow wow wow! Another well deserved POTD. Belated congratulations Richard. Yes the struggle is real. Someday in a near future, all humans will be equal, and happy... And there will be peace! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/26/2021 11:17:00 PM I truly hope so. Thanks for such a heartfelt response. Hugs Rick.

Christopher Flaherty Date: 4/26/2021 9:32:00 AM Like Jen I grew up in S.A also during the apartheid era. I just don't understand why people just can't all get along and be judged solely on what is on the inside not outside. Sad love you empathy Sir Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/26/2021 11:20:00 PM Thanks Christopher.

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 4/25/2021 9:19:00 AM I agree with your read Rick, they must chant and peacefully march on like soldiers 'Black lives do matter. We came to South Africa when I was nineteen, till then I was at school with every colour creed and nation in Zambia, When I saw two white policemen beating two black men for stealing a chicken, till they bled, I was truly very upset and horrified. It took Humanitarian Nelson Mandela to sort out the awful apartheid society here in S.A. Excellent Richard. Hugs & blessings, Jennifer. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/26/2021 11:22:00 PM What a great response Jennifer. Hugs and blessings to you as well.

Harry Horsman Date: 4/10/2021 8:27:00 PM Keeping out of the controversy, Richard. The poem says it as it is, being a mighty fan of 'Paul Robeson' i know where you are coming from..Just catching up on a few POTD's this one, Brilliant. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/21/2021 5:47:00 AM Thanks Harry, you are welcome any time. ;0)

Jennifer Proxenos Date: 4/5/2021 3:58:00 AM After seeing a detailed documentary on George Floyd being held down with a police officer's knee at his throat whilst he was crying out 'I can't breathe, I can't breath' and calling for his Mama, I was sickened at how humanity can stoop so low as to be inhumane. It touched me to my very core and couldn't help crying . I hope justice is served where applicable. hugs and blessings, Jennifer. Congratulations Rick, sorry, my husband had a major op a couple of weeks back - I fell behind with my poetry. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 7/13/2022 5:38:00 AM It seems our resident expert Keith has been proven wrong. A jury of the officer’s peers found him guilty. Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/5/2021 7:50:00 AM I hope your husband is recovering well. Hugs Rick.

Panagiota Romios Date: 4/2/2021 4:44:00 PM Belated Congratulations, Richard Panagiota xx Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 7/13/2022 5:33:00 AM Thanks so much.

Krish Radhakrishna Date: 4/1/2021 8:34:00 AM Congrats on POTD! well deserved and this poem is gem!! Change comes slowly and thi ga are getting better but we sometimes empower wrong people who destroy quickly what has been achieved over decades!! a fave for me!! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 4/1/2021 12:11:00 PM Thanks Krish. ;0)

Smita Kulkarni Date: 3/31/2021 3:38:00 PM Absolutely true! Very nicely expressed! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/31/2021 8:18:00 PM Thanks Smita

Line Gauthier Date: 3/30/2021 12:36:00 PM Not a shining moment in the history of humanity ~ lovely tribute Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/30/2021 3:22:00 PM Thanks for the visit Line. ;0)

Paulette Calasibetta Date: 3/27/2021 4:36:00 PM Hi Richard, Congratulations on the Poem of the Day, beautifully expressed. Take Care, Paulette Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/28/2021 5:58:00 AM Thanks Paulette.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 3/27/2021 3:47:00 PM My favorite part was this, and yes, even till today, there is such discrimination despite the many changes for the good in years since Civil Rights movement: Change shoulda come So long before today Our river of cruelty is still on display Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/27/2021 3:58:00 PM Thanks Andrea, I think the pendulum is swinging back in the wrong direction. Thanks for adding your thoughts. Hugs Rick.

Malabika Ray Choudhury Date: 3/27/2021 9:31:00 AM "So yes be quiet quiet quiet Shush shush shush We’ve spoken too much We haven’t listened enough" How poignant, Richard! Congratulations on your POTD. I am sure you making a lot of people listen with this powerful poem. BW ~ Mala Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/27/2021 11:47:00 AM Thanks Malabika. So nice to have you visit.

Eileen Manassian Date: 3/27/2021 6:20:00 AM Congrats, dear. I see this got POTD recognition. Well deserved Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/27/2021 7:13:00 AM Thanks Eileen.

J. Summers Date: 3/27/2021 6:16:00 AM Congratulations Richard for your POTD. Listening is as much a form of communication as speaking and it’s time we all got busy doing just that. Congrats again. John Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/27/2021 8:17:00 AM Thanks John.

Demetrios Trifiatis Date: 3/26/2021 12:31:00 PM The voice of humanity is heard in your poem, dearest Richard! May it reverberate throughout all nations and may bring justice to those that unjustly were treated! Congratulations! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/26/2021 1:09:00 PM Thanks my friend Demetrios your kind words are always appreciated.

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 3/26/2021 10:19:00 AM In the past, we haven't really listened to those who say, "Our river of cruelty is still on display." Now voting restrictions are being approved in some states and that will make it harder for people of color to exercise their voice. Your poem is like a call to action, Richard, and a fave for me. Excellent writing. Best wishes, Carolyn Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/26/2021 10:30:00 AM Well expressed Comment Carolyn. Hugs Rick. Carolyn Devonshire Date: 3/26/2021 10:19:00 AM I see this is a POTD, so congratulations!

Ken Rone Date: 3/26/2021 9:32:00 AM You watched the movie once, perhaps twice. Many have; but only you Richard have captured its message in an outstanding poem. Thank you! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/26/2021 9:36:00 AM Thanks Ken, what a kind comment. ;0)

Eve Roper Date: 3/25/2021 9:54:00 PM Congratulation on POTD, Richard, enjoyed reading. Eve Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/26/2021 4:43:00 AM Thanks Eve. ;0)

Michael Ellis Date: 3/25/2021 3:14:00 PM Wow and they say Gold is right under our eyes. This poem is Gold. I too watched "One Night in Miami." As an African American I have tried to blink the entire length of my life and not notice it. This is like a Vietnam soldier not noticing land mines or IED's. This poem clearly touches the heart of a painful wound. Jim Brown is like a final relic of a dark fable. I hope we can all do better in 2021. Loved this Poem... Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2021 3:40:00 PM Hi Michael, you may also appreciate another piece I wrote titled “Shattering Rose Coloured Glasses.”I am touched by your response. Thanks for dropping by.

Alexis Y. Date: 3/25/2021 1:19:00 PM Hi Richard, I'm so happy to see you get such an honor with this well written write. Congratulations! It is so deserving of the poem of the day. Have a great day:-) Alexis Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2021 1:26:00 PM Thanks for dropping back Alexis. Hugs Rick.

Beryl Edmonds Date: 3/25/2021 12:52:00 PM Congratulations Richard on poem of the day. Every human being is equal on earth, well written. Belle Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2021 3:41:00 PM I agree they should be, sadly I don’t think we are there yet.

Vijay Pandit Date: 3/25/2021 12:46:00 PM Congrats Richard on poem of the day. You speak the truth. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2021 12:52:00 PM Thanks Vijay. ;0)

L Milton Hankins Date: 3/25/2021 11:34:00 AM Fantastic! I liked it before...I still do! Congratulations, Richard on your receiving POTD! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2021 12:36:00 PM Much appreciated. ;0)

Jan Allison Date: 3/25/2021 11:33:00 AM such a powerful piece Rick you tell it as it is, you are an extremely wise man my friend:-) many congrats on a very well deserved POTD:-) hugs Jan xx Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2021 12:37:00 PM You are kind, thanks Jan. Hugs Rick.

Constance La France Date: 3/25/2021 9:14:00 AM Richard, congratulations on receiving POEM OF THE DAY with this powerful write _Constance Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2021 12:35:00 PM Thanks Constance. ;0)

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