Filling Up On Empty

Some things that look fulfilling
Can cast a woeful spell
Glittery that looks like heaven,
can often turn out to be hell.

All the wanting leads to weeping,
He can't fill that empty space.
There are those hidden bits of lonely,
in the mirror etched upon his face.

He exchanges real for imagined,
relation-ships they sail away.
Nights are now spent with strangers,
He is the game they like to play.

Trappings of success are empty,
he pretends he's not alone.
The heart in his chest is heavy,
What was soft has turned into stone.

It can be the curse of the rich man,
to grab onto things that don't last.
Riches that vanish in an instant,
Replaced with regrets from the past.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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12
Cronin Avatar
December 18, 2015 at 9:16 AM
Absolutely beautiful, I can relate! Thank you for sharing.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 18, 2015 at 9:35 AM
My pleasure Jeannie.
Dawson Avatar
December 14, 2015 at 11:59 PM
I really enjoyed the topic, imagery, and the words that flow so well together. I was drawn in how in reading, that one feels the emotions of the protagonist, and even though he has chosen an empty path, that one feels empathy for him.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 12:21 AM
Thanks J.R. I like you thoughtful comment.
Walker  Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 9:39 PM
Beautiful Ricard and a favorite. Verlena
Makama Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 9:14 AM
What a lovely poem! Spectacular and mind romancing. A 7 and an excellent share
Lamoureux Avatar
December 5, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Thanks Funom.
Lindley Avatar
December 3, 2015 at 10:59 PM
Glad to have found this fine poem my friend. You nailed it in sweet verse. Greed is a curse. Yet seems human nature breeds greediness and always wanting more.. A7
Lamoureux Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 8:35 AM
Thanks Robert.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
November 30, 2015 at 10:10 PM
Excellent Richard! Powerful phrasing, smooth cadence and neat rhyming. I especially liked your second and final verses. Best wishes, Keith 7
Lamoureux Avatar
December 4, 2015 at 8:36 AM
Thanks so much Keith.
Dibaba Avatar
November 29, 2015 at 11:11 AM
Dear Richard, This is a close look at how things are and why they are what they are. You are lucky to pick up for your subject this mean benign human neglect and made this wonderful piece out of it! It is my favorite poem. Ase
Lamoureux Avatar
November 29, 2015 at 12:04 PM
Thanks Ase. Check out my poem "Broken People" I think you might enjoy it.
Guillermo - Fraser Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 1:36 AM
Richard, this happens when man is consumed with earthly things and be only contented with "short term happiness"... Thank God always He tries to direct us whenever we are lost or empty just we acknowledge Him.. Apart from Him we are nothing.. =`) Poetry wise: you delivered well the message so well! Gratzzzz!~Olive Eloisa =`)
Lamoureux Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 6:53 AM
Thanks Olive.;0)
Manassian Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 6:41 PM
To see you here....POTD....brings me joy. Love seeing your work honored as it should be. Hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 6:54 AM
I feel Honored I have a POTD and a POTW in the same week. Thanks and a big hug back to you.
Callus Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 4:42 PM
You are wise and experienced, Richard, even though you're young in years:) You show where life's priorities should be. Congrats on POTD. Regards // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 6:55 AM
Thanks Paul, not so young in years although I feel pretty young on most days.
Macfarlane Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 4:14 PM
Wise write Richard...most important that matter... like health, love and happiness money can't buy. Congrats on POTD. Hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 6:58 AM
Yes, so true. Also keeping God in mind whom without the others including material wealth could not exist. Thanks for visiting.
Bear Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 3:07 PM
Boy go away for a few days and you become POTD and I missed it's debut. Congratulations on a well deserved win Much love Mom
Lamoureux Avatar
November 27, 2015 at 7:00 AM
Thanks mom, my "Cup of empty" also got chosen for POTW. Two nice surprises in the same week. I love you too.
Swingler Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:58 AM
Your poem, including its title conveys vivid images. Your words are descriptive and evoke a passionate response from the reader. I appreciated the different poetic devices you used. The allegory in the first stanza; the analogy in the second stanza; the conflict in your third stanza; the antithesis in the fourth stanza; the characterization in your last stanza. The symmetry and rhythmic flow of your poem is an emotional and enjoyable experience for the reader. I saw no errors. Thank you.
Swingler Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 9:18 AM
I think you jest with me kind sir.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 8:20 AM
Wow, I didn't know all that was going on *lol* great comment! Thanks for the visit.
Andresen Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:54 AM
- Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. Richard - Lovely poem !!! - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 8:21 AM
Hugs and thanks Anne Lise.
Kayode Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:41 AM
The last stanza is my fave,it simply says it exactly the way it is; when the fictious riches are gone,regrets from past will just replace them. Well done Richard and congrats for being selected as the POTD...hugs
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:50 AM
It was a pleasant surprise my friend.
Smith Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 6:57 AM
Congratulations on being featured Richard
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:17 AM
Thanks for coming back to this one Tim. I'm surprised it was chosen. To be honest I am not all that enamoured with this write.
Allison Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 6:44 AM
wise words indeed Richard - my view is I have my health so I am the richest person in the world - it is one thing we can't buy and we can't take material riches with us when we pass on - congrats on POTD:-) hugs Jan xx
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:18 AM
You at indeed rich in the ways that matter!
Posting Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 6:22 AM
Incredible work. Relation-ships in a bottle of fleeting dreams.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:19 AM
You have a great name for a poet. Thanks for the visit.
Tor Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 5:13 AM
Congratulations for POTD! Richard.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:19 AM
No one is more surprised than me. Thanks Michael.
Tor Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 5:08 AM
Richard so true money corrupts and replaces the most important ingredients which are free Love health happiness. You can't buy those things. Gather up the real treasures in heaven. Everything else will be lost.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:20 AM
You speak the truth Michael.
Muideen Avatar
November 25, 2015 at 1:38 PM
This is a write to ponder upon Sir.....so many truth lodge like rock within. Thank for sharing, I'm glad to start my read with you............A.M.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:21 AM
Thanks AM, sorry for the double message, my note to Tim jumped up a few spots.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:15 AM
Thanks Tim.
Neels Avatar
November 25, 2015 at 11:10 AM
This is so true Richard, chasing the elusive, while it doesn't even need money to acquire it ;) absolutely love this write of yours!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:22 AM
I must admit I too chased after riches but was fortunately blessed with much more than money.
Yvonne Avatar
November 24, 2015 at 7:33 PM
Love this poem. Love the style, the chosen words, love the message. Adding it to my favs. A good one to read over and over again. Depending on the day I am certain it will unfold differently with new enlightenment to be found each read.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:25 AM
You are kind Armand, so nice to have you back.
Chircop Avatar
November 24, 2015 at 3:20 PM
I don`t want to die rich,that would make me very poor. Richard ,in my childhood I belinged to the middle class (rhe lower middle class)..Since I grew up ..I worked hard and now belong to the upper middle class financially..but believe. me ...Fulfillment lies not in riches but in unity with those you love..The worst days when money was little .were indeed the best days,that now money cant buy. Great message.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 26, 2015 at 7:29 AM
I have been fortunate as well but am aware of the source of my blessings and realize what is permanent and what is temporary. Thanks for your inspired comment. Hugs Rick.
Smith Avatar
November 24, 2015 at 3:04 PM
Rich with success or money doesn't necessarily mean they are rich in life...excellent Richard
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