Premiere Contest WinnerCup of Empty

She pours him a cup of empty
From a teapot of childhood dreams
He loves the sound of her giggles
Hers is the light of a thousand moonbeams

Moonbeams and butterflies, petals from roses
Counting out loud, crossing fingers and toeses
Unicorns and Teddy all enjoying a sip
Cups full of empty never spill and can't drip

He lifts a cup of empty
and gives his baby a wink
"Mmmm, dear darling, this is so delicious,
it’s the very best I've ever had to drink"

In the evening he turns to his bottle
With his friends he goes to the bar
She faithfully waits for hours
Thinking "Dear daddy, I wonder where you are?"

Moonbeams and butterflies, petals from roses
Counting out loud, crossing fingers and toeses
Unicorns and Teddy all enjoying a sip
Cups full of empty never spill and can't drip

She sets their table and faithfully waits,
hoping that daddy will be coming home soon
But her tired eyes give way to sleepy
as her Teddy watches under the moon

He comes home way after midnight
Sees his angel asleep on the floor
Smiles and sips a sip of empty
and thinks "I shouldn't drink anymore"

Years have a way of taking
She doesn't wait for daddy at home
She's found a new kind of pleasure
Her hunger grew from being alone

She fills her veins with her empty
Has dreams she can't explain
Trades her body and those giggles
In hopes of escaping her pain

Moonbeams and butterflies, petals from roses
Counting out loud crossing fingers and toeses
Unicorns and Teddy all enjoying a sip
Cups full of empty never spill and can't drip

Daddy sat home, and he waited
His baby girl she never came home
He still drowns himself in his bottle
But now he drinks all alone

Her teacup sits on the counter
Emptied of her childhood dreams
He misses the sound of her giggles
and the light of a thousand moon beams

He lifts the cup full of empty
To his lips and takes another drink
Empties out the rest of the bottle
As his pain is poured down the sink

Moonbeams and butterflies, petals and roses
Counting out loud crossing fingers and toeses
Unicorns and Teddy all enjoying a sip
Cups full of empty never spill and can't drip

He traded what was real for his empty
As she relinquished her childhood dreams
Now his baby girl has flown to heaven
On the light of a thousand moon beams

He wishes he could be with his baby
Lift her cup and give her a wink
Say "Mmmm this is so delicious,
it's the best I've ever had to drink!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Ashley Avatar
July 26, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Dear Richard, right away I was struck by the father/young daughter tone of your poem and the rhyme pair of "roses and toeses" -so ingenious! I was also deeply struck by how the vibe of a whimsical tea party turns poignantly serious as the emotive verses unfolded. Great emotion and vivid expression, heartbreak and I especially enjoyed the repeating stanza that anchored this piece to the innocence of a child ultimately lost, but also, that it took on greater emotional weight and resonance as the poem progressed. Congratulations for your success in Rob's contest with your amazing poem. Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Carmack Avatar
July 25, 2025 at 5:50 PM
I was able to watch this on YouTube. Your friend did a great job. I also found your 'Mighty' on his account and watched that too. Thanks for letting me know about the YouTube videos. It adds another dimension to the poems.
Kauffman Avatar
July 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Richard this is a plaintive lyric of regret for time that can never be relived. Your metaphoric use of the empty cup is really marvelous. Congratulations on your win. We all need to be reminded about our decisions on the ways we use our precious gift of time and the effects on those we love. Do we want to live with regrets? Congratulations on your win! Blessings.
Poet Avatar
July 25, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Your poetic style and the captivating interplay of words in your vibrant, evocative verse are truly outstanding, Richard. Incredibly impactful, and I appreciate the use of metaphors all around. Quite reflective and profound regarding the various complexities of humanity, my friend. Congratulations on your placement!
Carmack Avatar
July 25, 2025 at 5:56 AM
This reminded me of the kids I knew growing up with father's that were distant or absent. When my kids were young, I was asked about ambition. My response; You can't get the time back and my kids will only grow up once. Impressive poem and congratulations on your placement.
Kingston Avatar
August 26, 2021 at 10:23 PM
His name was dad His sound was bad He is now in heaven Too bad. Your poem was wonderful. So true for so many. So powerful and I love metaphors throughout. It would be so nice to write like you. So very poignant this piece. Sat with it for a while, read it over & over. Glad to have found it.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 25, 2025 at 5:55 AM
So sorry I missed this eloquent and thoughtful comment. Thanks so much for reading my poem.
King  Avatar
April 3, 2020 at 1:17 PM
Wow !! Now that’s poetry, If it’s from experience then it’s truly heart breaking my friend , Just wow !!
Lamoureux Avatar
April 4, 2020 at 8:38 AM
Thanks Simon.
Dietrich Avatar
March 20, 2020 at 8:54 PM
yes, I found where I commented back in 2016
Dietrich Avatar
March 20, 2020 at 8:53 PM
this is so poignant, Richard. I can't find a poem of yours I have not read, though I am sure you must have some. I decided to review your third most popular one at Soup. I may have read it before. I see it has so many comments and it well deserved them all.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 20, 2020 at 10:26 PM
This is a personal favourite. Thanks for revisiting it. ;0)
Hoffman Avatar
February 26, 2020 at 5:40 PM
Yes, sad but beautiful and heartfelt. Lovely piece, Richard.
De Beaulieu Avatar
February 26, 2020 at 12:26 PM
Hello Richard Lamoureux, this poem is so sad. haave a nice day my friend.
Connelly Avatar
September 27, 2019 at 6:03 AM
No pun intended Richard, but this is quite the sobering piece of poetry. My eyes were captured by the title. Thinking this was a Zen kind of poem, and in a way it truly is Richard. Very beautiful and heartfelt. Thanks so much.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 27, 2019 at 8:27 AM
What a great response Jeff. Thanks Buddy.
Hopper Avatar
September 24, 2019 at 9:39 AM
This is so beautiful! It is gut wrenching and heartbreakingly raw. As a parent, things, such as this, hit me hard. I feel like I have so many passions and interests. So many things are occupying my mind as I pretend to be blown away by the tricks my son shows me on the trampoline. I feel like I am never fully present and I worry that they sense a lightened mood once I make a drink. Seriously, the “teacup full of empty “, this was absolutely fabulous! Extraordinary poem! A new fav!
Lamoureux Avatar
September 27, 2019 at 8:29 AM
Thanks Anna, your response is a gift to me. Hugs Rick.
Scott Avatar
April 20, 2019 at 5:08 PM
As a recovering addict that comes from a long line of alcoholics....this is just beautiful. I'm crying, remembering both sides of that coin....seems like we unknowingly pass the curse on rather than break the cycle ourselves. Thank you for sharing your words
Lamoureux Avatar
April 20, 2019 at 5:58 PM
Thanks Eckho. I appreciate such a heartfelt response.
Duet Avatar
May 11, 2018 at 2:31 PM
Oh wow, Richard! This is so amazing...amazingly good and poignant. It almost brought tears to my eyes. A real "tear jerker" and a beauty. I can see why you won with this one. Faved.
Horsman Avatar
December 13, 2017 at 6:09 AM
i curse the fact, i don't get about too much these days on soup. Especially when i miss gems like his Richard. you make your point in a very poetic way,,which does you so much credit in this art..This is truly amazing, and extremely poignant..I wish you and your family all the best for the festive season.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2017 at 7:18 AM
Thanks Harry your response pleases me. I appreciate you looking this one up.
Robinson Jr. Avatar
October 28, 2017 at 11:48 AM
An absolutely heartbreaking poem, Richard. Beautifully layered, so emotionally gripping. Ty for making this a poem suggestion in Becca's blog. A masterpiece and an instant fave. Pulsar poetry, a luminous write. Love and peace always.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 13, 2017 at 7:19 AM
Hi Freddie, somehow I missed this comment till now. Thanks for th visit.
Poteet Avatar
October 21, 2016 at 9:11 AM
One of your finest, Richard and one of the finest I have, I am adding it to my favorites. Congratulations on a well-done piece and your placement.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 21, 2016 at 9:54 AM
Thanks Reason, you have added some sunshine to my morning.
Smith Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 7:10 PM
The year is of no importance, this is a great write and a most deserving winner. Congratulations Richard, I'm so glad you shared it with all of us. Truely wonderful...
Lamoureux Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 8:20 PM
Thanks Charlie, much appreciated.
Lamoureux Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 1:32 PM
Hello all, thanks for kind words. I have asked Frank to disqualify me from the contest. I should have double checked my write date. I wrote this one in November of last year. It seems time slipped by quicker then I suspected. Congrats to all the winners.
Hamilton Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 12:51 PM
This was I think the best from this year, good choice on your part for choosing from the many great ones you've done this year. Congrats to you, and to the judge for having great taste!
Lamoureux Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 1:33 PM
Hi John, thanks for letting me know about my start date. See my note above.
Neumann Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 12:41 PM
This is awesome. Sad meaningful and hopeful for different choices. Very well written. Having a Coke Zero to cheer...
Lamoureux Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 1:34 PM
I'm pleased you enjoyed it. Please see note above.
Haight Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 9:27 AM
Richard, I do remember this outstanding poem, and I am so pleased to see it at the top of the podium with your Trophy win in this Premiere Contest. Congratulations! Sandra
Rockwell Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 9:24 AM
Raised in a family full of addictions, your poem carved tearwells in my heart where my soul's weeping can be collected. You are truly an artist and deserve first place. Congrats! ~Cindi~
Richards Avatar
October 20, 2016 at 9:23 AM
As said by the others, this is one of those tragic stories told over and over again, in many homes, by many people who have lost their way. You told it well, while pulling at the heart, Richard. Congratulations on your win !
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