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Everyone's a Winner

Everyone's a Winner They told me I was remarkable and now it's plain to see There is nothing extraordinary about simple little me All the ribbons I have hanging Upon the shelf so high They said I was a winner all I had to do was try It wasn't about competition Every child was told to have fun They said we were the very best Each child born to be number one So out in the world they sent me Unequipped for what I'd find With the legend of my accomplishments sadly this illusion was In my mind No one was there to help me The competition was far too real It felt like other were driving the bus Even though I was behind the wheel Let your children know failure So they can learn to compete In a world of winners and losers They'll learn to think on their feet For adversity leads to greatness Each loss will point to a win If I already think I am a winner What reason do I have to begin In an age of no grades and trophies for every kid, we are losing our risk takers. We can't insulate our children from what lies ahead. It is a competitive world and we are sewing the seeds of failure. I know there are many young people who don't fall into this category and they are the ones who will drive innovation and growth.

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Muhammad Imtiaz

Date: 2/24/2018 1:04:00 PM

Hi Richard It is a wonderful piece of writing for all especially for youth and children . i also agree that it should be taught to kids , students so as to motivate them......this is no doubt incredible my favourite also ...evergreen "For adversity leads to greatness Each loss will point to a win If I already think I am a winner What reason do I have to begin"

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/24/2018 1:16:00 PM

Thanks Muhammad, this is not one of my best pieces of poetry but I feel the message has value.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 1/21/2017 8:03:00 PM

You have said this so well Richard, with proper context! :)

Mama Bear

Date: 1/16/2017 11:50:00 AM

You have always been a winner in my book Big 7 for this one Love mom

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 1/14/2017 4:34:00 PM

I love this poem, Richard. It is pure realism ... the way it is. I raised my daughter in a very competitive environment. It paid off, she is an exceptional Illustration artist, and computer graphics artist. She is trying to start her own business. Great poem though. Love and peace to you.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/15/2017 9:56:00 AM

Thanks Freddie, sorry for the delayed response. Life has been quite busy as of late.

Aarushi Pandey

Date: 1/13/2017 10:54:00 AM

Every student should read this poem. We all party when we get grand success but when we don't get what we wanted, we get disappointed and we never try again. I just know one thing that "quitting" is not a solution. It is coward. We should always try. I am personally, VERY INSPIRED with this one. Great work, indeed.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/15/2017 9:56:00 AM

What a great response, thanks.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 1/12/2017 12:32:00 AM

Indeed Success gives us joy and failure bless us with strength , determination, and a will to try again in a competitive world... They go hand in hand, and both are important.A favel.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/12/2017 9:03:00 AM

Thanks Charmaine.;0)

James Peranteau

Date: 1/11/2017 4:52:00 PM

Many certainly shall agree with your write here dear poet! Have a wonderful new year Richard...much love, james

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/12/2017 9:04:00 AM

What are your thoughts James?? Thanks for visiting.

Joanna Daniel

Date: 1/10/2017 5:58:00 AM

Sadly so true, Richard:) in my experience as a teacher I've found that today's children really are in no way equipped to handle failure:( real topic and honest:) a 7:) p.s. 5th stanza..

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/10/2017 8:08:00 AM

Thanks Jo, I do believe there are still a core of young people prepared to face the future. I do however worry about the others.

Robert Lindley

Date: 1/9/2017 7:04:00 PM

We often learn more from our failures/losses/mistakes than we do from our victories. Not does your poem eloquently shout that it also does so in such smooth and melodic, enlightening tones! Dad always told we boys- if you get knocked down- get right back up again and duck nest time! lol

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/9/2017 7:55:00 PM

Ha ha, your dad's a smart fellow.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 1/9/2017 2:41:00 PM

i agree with this wholeheartedly, richard! you've expressed yourself very clearly in your poem and there's a lot of wisdom in your words...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/9/2017 6:19:00 PM

Thanks Ilene.;0)

Wilfred Aniagyei

Date: 1/9/2017 1:14:00 PM

That's a powerful message, right there.... Each lose leads to a win..... Thank you for this, Richard

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/9/2017 6:19:00 PM

My pleasure Wilfred.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 1/9/2017 12:44:00 PM

How many years have to pass for people to realize all these truths dear, Richard? Some never learn and others learn at a cost. Great poem with wise, down to earth, advices! Excellent my friend. A huge seven!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/9/2017 6:20:00 PM

Each will learn when there time is right. Thanks for your visit Demetrios.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 1/9/2017 12:04:00 PM

- "We can not isolate our children from what lies ahead", I agree - we must teach our children how we can win - but also must learn defeat - Life has uphills and downhills - A great poem that makes sense, a neccessary theme for the most of us - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/9/2017 6:22:00 PM

As a parent it's hard to watch and resist the urge to help.thanks for commenting. Hugs Rick.

Darren White

Date: 1/9/2017 11:33:00 AM

I like the message in your poem, and you are right. You have to build up and support your children BUT you must also learn them to work and fight for what they need to accomplish, and to learn to be independent, with failure and all...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/9/2017 11:51:00 AM

Thanks Darren. I believe we can be competitive without causing harm to others. If we follow this philosophy there will be more winners than losers.