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Flip Flop

This is my black Christmas I have nothing left to lose I’m a bare footed white walker with no shoes It’s okay burly guy don’t cry I’ve found my southern comfort here in this brown bagged bottle of booze If you offer me a buck or two I’m not inclined to refuse These street are made for walking So I tip toe talk carefully Knowing people don’t like what they see This ain’t who I want to be My tummy is a warm kinda queasy but in my bones I’m cold as hell and my butt is turning into a freezie I wish I had your good life man this ain’t nowhere near easy Especially now that the snow’s comin and the sky’s icy breezy. There up ahead that’s my get away place that bar you call sleazy But I get a beer for a buck with a big bag of cheeses. Oh and the dancers are pretty and I smile when they tease me It helps me forget for a bit Because time’s my worst enemy and I’ve got nowhere else to be When they close her down I’m back on the street Walking along with my flip flop beat Cold feet nothing to eat Imagining a bed With a cover and sheet You won’t look me in the eye I’m a nobody that no somebody wants to meet So enjoy your white Christmas Don’t give me or this place another thought be thankful for what you got Be satisfied man whether it’s a little or a lot Hand made or store bought You sleep in a warm bed not a shelter cot Meanwhile I’ll pray That if life leads you this way you never have to stay If you got kids teach them right, okay Take time to be with them and play Put them on the right pathway Cause I too lived like you once but that’s a story for another day. By Richard Lamoureux Written November 28th 2019

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Harry Horsman

Date: 4/12/2020 9:55:00 PM

Hi, Richard, this poem is on my favourite list, and rightly so,,but where is my comment? I even remember reading this, and it having an effect on me, being it is so profound, and relates so much to the dark side of life....

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/13/2020 9:32:00 AM

Thanks Harry. ;0)

Joanna Daniel

Date: 12/19/2019 8:02:00 PM

Oh! This is truly amazing, Rick:) reminded me of a short story by Karen Kingsbury in her "Red gloves" collection - if you find time, check it out:)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/20/2019 9:00:00 AM

Thanks Jo. ;0)

Robert Kinard

Date: 12/19/2019 7:36:00 AM

Your poem is right on point, I have never been and hope to never be homeless. I know life happens to the best of us. I wrote in one of my poems about the homeless finding a home. because I hope they do.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/20/2019 9:02:00 AM

Thanks Robert. Much appreciated.

Ralph Sergi

Date: 12/17/2019 7:35:00 AM

Hi Rick: I once had a job where they hired a homesless fellow to sweep the floor and every year we would chip in to give him money. He always cried. He once was a chemist and very articulate. the poor guy died. Your poignant poem brings recall

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/17/2019 8:35:00 AM

This is a meaningful response. There are man stories when we take time to connect with other human beings and dispense of our judgements.

Miranda Hawley

Date: 12/16/2019 12:36:00 PM

Well, that was depressing. I do like how you used the poem as a way to reach out and "teach" by talking real to parents.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/17/2019 8:37:00 AM

It was not my intention for this to be depressing. I can however see how it could have that effect. Thanks for commenting.

Lonna Blodgett

Date: 12/14/2019 8:01:00 PM

You are character and street sensitive in this exhortation of life's destiny for a lot of us in circumstances that are relavent to our potentials and ability to control them. Your choice of words are very much like the quality of a good screenplay, painting the picture. Loved this, and I know it will inspire my muse in your contest! Lonna

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/15/2019 9:15:00 AM

Thanks so much Lonna, great comment.

Connie Marcum Wong

Date: 12/14/2019 4:47:00 PM

This is excellent Richard. "There but for the grace of God go I"....spot on my friend. This is so well-written with imagery that reaches out to grab you. This one is going into my Faves! Mele Kalikimaka my friend. xxoo

Panagiota Romios

Date: 12/10/2019 9:24:00 AM

Well done, Richard! I have experienced many Christmases without Money for a tree or food. There are hundreds of organizations that do provide for others worldwide. Nothing is hopeless. People think it is? Having a bankroll does not mean happiness by a long shot. Gratitude and humility pulls all of us through bumps in the road of life. Not being a speed- bump helps.))) Panagiota

John Hamilton

Date: 12/7/2019 6:57:00 PM

Well done Rick really true to life for those who have flopped not flipped. It's easy to see you have had a lot of interactions with these genuine folk, your humanity shines brightly, made me think of Ed, so many Ed's out there!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/8/2019 10:28:00 AM

Thanks John. ;0)

Quoth Theraven

Date: 12/6/2019 9:22:00 AM

Richard, 'There but for the grace of God go I'. People in crisis, people stuck in the lost and found. "Because time’s my worst enemy" is so telling. -Richard

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2019 9:55:00 AM

So true. Thanks.

Greg Hladky

Date: 12/5/2019 12:04:00 PM

This is beautifully penned, Richard, and the voice and descriptions sound authentic. It's a good reminder of where any of us could be, if circumstances were different (loss of job, born into a different neighborhood, etc.). Thanks for sharing! (p.s. In the second line did you mean "lose" instead of "loose" to rhyme with "shoes"?)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/6/2019 10:01:00 AM

Much appreciated and thanks for catching my typo.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 12/4/2019 11:20:00 AM

Oh wow Richard - this poem means everything and anything to anyone - so well penned. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/4/2019 5:19:00 PM

Thanks for all the visits. Hugs and blessings back.

Maria Williams

Date: 12/4/2019 6:20:00 AM

You really moved me with this poignant story Rick and too often people living on the streets are judged harshly. We don't know their stories, victims of circumstances, the name of the game.If you have time watch this, its a beautiful happy ending kinda story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEYuNKVW0Ns.......Maria Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/4/2019 7:53:00 AM

Thanks Maria, I will check it out.

Jenish Somadas

Date: 12/3/2019 4:56:00 AM

Black and white Christmas.. What a contrast.. Festival is a festival only for the rich? Nicely done..

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/3/2019 8:01:00 AM

I hope it is not only for the rich, especially if it’s true meaning is celebrated. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 12/3/2019 4:09:00 AM

There are so many around and we should not remain blind to their predicament my friend, Richard. Very touching especially this time of the year.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/3/2019 8:02:00 AM

Thanks Demetrios. Blessings Rick.

Panagiota Romios

Date: 12/2/2019 10:49:00 PM

Greatwork from a master poet. Love, Panagiota.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/3/2019 8:09:00 AM

Thanks Panagiota, hugs Rick.

Hello There

Date: 12/2/2019 9:46:00 PM

Wow, this is powerful, Rick. By the end, I actually felt it was a real conversation being had for it had me so captivated. A fav ~ hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/3/2019 8:09:00 AM

What a great comment. Hugs Rick.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 12/2/2019 8:46:00 PM

A wonderfully written powerful poem Rick, a great perspective of our homeless population that some people often choose to ignore and pretend they don't exist in our world today.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/3/2019 8:12:00 AM

Very true.

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 12/2/2019 1:43:00 PM

You tell a good story one of heart ache and compassion, We can all find ourselves in this man's predicament, it happens to the best of us. Thank you for highlighting life on the street, especially this time of year, it hits home for many.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/2/2019 6:04:00 PM

thanks PD. Hugs Rick

Becca Teagan

Date: 12/2/2019 9:22:00 AM

Powerful poem, Rick. It takes us on a journey to the "other side" and warns us about staying on the right path, lest we end up there too. It's so sad to see homeless people, especially when it's so cold out. I count my blessings. Thanks for this eye-opening poem.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/2/2019 9:53:00 AM

For many people it’s not a matter of staying on the right path but rather dealing with personal loss or mental illness. It is a very complicated problem. Thanks for commenting Becca. Hugs Rick.

Alexis Y.

Date: 12/1/2019 5:55:00 PM

WoW! Richard, What a sad story of someone who "knows" how you can live one way and how your life can turn in a way that you never imagined. The character in your story knows what it's like on "the" other side( life not as hard).Moral of the story ( what I got out of it) we must appreciate our blessings. Because life as you know can change unexpectedly . To be grateful in these turn of events one has dig deep. Excellent write my friend. Have a great day:-) Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/2/2019 9:55:00 AM

Yes I agree. Also if we are blessed how can we help others who are in need. Hugs Rick.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 12/1/2019 11:03:00 AM

WOW! So deep and meaningful from start to finish..Yes--the unfortunate walk and live in your story--splendid write, indeed, Richard.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/1/2019 11:41:00 AM

Thanks Vijay. ;0)

James Marshall Goff

Date: 12/1/2019 10:57:00 AM

Poignant retrospect Richard! Very well done!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/2/2019 6:04:00 PM

Thanks James. :0)

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 12/1/2019 5:59:00 AM

This is a very self-effacing, yet oddly uplifting talk, from someone who is so heavy burdened, Richard. The pacing of the self-introspection is marvelous. A fine, fine piece of poetic art work. It draws us to this fascinating character, whose charm is in his goodly demeanor ... and not in his appearance. The weaving of the inner man juxtaposed w/the outer weather-worn look is just amazing. LOVE this flip poem of a flop not soul defeating. Love and peace always.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/1/2019 8:47:00 AM

Great comment my brother. Blessings to you.

Brenda Chiri

Date: 12/1/2019 1:52:00 AM

Wow Rick this was sad yet a learning experience with words from a wise old man! Amazing! I simply loved it!;)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/1/2019 8:47:00 AM

Thanks and a hug Brenda.