Richard Lamoureux Poet Quatrain

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 February 24, 2018 at 1:04 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 February 24, 2018 at 1:16 PM Thanks Muhammad, this is not one of my best pieces of poetry but I feel the message has value.

Arthur Vaso January 21, 2017 at 8:03 PM You have said this so well Richard, with proper context! :)

Mama Bear January 16, 2017 at 11:50 AM You have always been a winner in my book Big 7 for this one Love mom

Freddie Robinson Jr. January 14, 2017 at 4:34 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 January 15, 2017 at 9:56 AM Thanks Freddie, sorry for the delayed response. Life has been quite busy as of late.

Aarushi Pandey January 13, 2017 at 10:54 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 January 15, 2017 at 9:56 AM What a great response, thanks.

Charmaine Chircop January 12, 2017 at 12:32 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 January 12, 2017 at 9:03 AM Thanks Charmaine.;0)

James Peranteau January 11, 2017 at 4:52 PM Many certainly shall agree with your write here dear poet! Have a wonderful new year Richard...much love, james Richard Lamoureux January 12, 2017 at 9:04 AM What are your thoughts James?? Thanks for visiting.

Joanna Daniel January 10, 2017 at 5:58 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 January 10, 2017 at 8:08 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 January 9, 2017 at 7:04 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 January 9, 2017 at 7:55 PM Ha ha, your dad's a smart fellow.

Ilene Bauer January 9, 2017 at 2:41 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 January 9, 2017 at 6:19 PM Thanks Ilene.;0)

Wilfred Aniagyei January 9, 2017 at 1:14 PM That's a powerful message, right there.... Each lose leads to a win..... Thank you for this, Richard Richard Lamoureux January 9, 2017 at 6:19 PM My pleasure Wilfred.

Demetrios Trifiatis January 9, 2017 at 12:44 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 January 9, 2017 at 6:20 PM Each will learn when there time is right. Thanks for your visit Demetrios.

Anne-Lise Andresen January 9, 2017 at 12:04 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 January 9, 2017 at 6:22 PM As a parent it's hard to watch and resist the urge to help.thanks for commenting. Hugs Rick.

Darren White January 9, 2017 at 11:33 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 January 9, 2017 at 11:51 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.