Richard Lamoureux Poet I do not know?

Friend of a Friend Could Be a Friend

The joke would enter the room before the man
"Where is the Line for the Buffet."
I heard the laughter and I saw the hurt in his eyes
He laughed along with them with practiced ease
Protecting himself, don't look too close please!

I felt bad
this man of substance is my friend
The person he presents, not real but pretend
A caricature of himself on lend
Each laugh a confirmation of what he sees
Stop laughing, I beg you please
collectively you add to his disease

Each of us has our own insecurities
My own is wrapped up in trying to please
I too have needs but inside I freeze
Measuring my words the things I say
Somehow, scares some people away 
I want friends yet alone I play
Pretending that I'm okay
Please try to see me, I pray
I would never celebrate your demise
Look close there are tears in my eyes
I'm not happy unless you rise
Three men all different me not one of the guys

I accept you as you are
The gap seems wide but it isn't that far
Each is broken in a different way
Perfection not possible and that's okay
When I ask you  questions  
I want to hear what you say
It's not to throw your words back at you
Perhaps that's what some others do
You might think I gloat
but my heart doesn't play that note.
If you do well my spirit will float

For now, I'll ponder each thought
More is more, less is not
I have what I have you've got what you've got
Together we have quite a lot
Or if you wish, simply walk away
That's your choice
I've said what I have to say.


I reached out to a person with a hand of friendship and it had the exact opposite effect. Sometimes our intentions can be misconstrued, this made me sad.

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Timothy Hicks October 19, 2014 at 12:09 AM Very honest and genuine writing. Letting your heart do all the talking. My next door neighbor has three kids (all of whom are mentally disabled and in wheel chairs). They talk really slow, and I always try to be nice... but it's also hard to know what to say. I can feel your pain with being misunderstood... Richard Lamoureux October 19, 2014 at 6:39 AM Being misunderstood is just part of the human experience. Thanks for you thoughtful comment Timothy.

Monterey Sirak October 4, 2014 at 9:28 AM It is hard to have good intentions be misunderstood. Keep reaching out, more people will take your hand than will turn away.

Andrea Dietrich October 3, 2014 at 8:53 PM How sad that you reached out to someone and were so misunderstood. Your poem had that same sense of humanity that Lucilla used to show in her poetry, like the one of hers that I showed at my blog. You and she are so wise, richard. This is a good heartfelt poem.

Sharon Gulley October 3, 2014 at 8:41 PM This is such a heartfelt, loving, warm piece of art and I loved it so very much Richard. It is a wonderful thing to see someone with such a loving soul, it makes me believe in humanity again. WOW, thank you for sharing, have goose bumps on my arms it touched me so deeply. This goes to my Favs and I rate it a 7. Your Friend, Sharon G.

Juli- Michelle October 3, 2014 at 12:56 PM Richard, so often your poetry has a profound effect on me. I love these words, and how tenderly you look into this man. I am sorry he declined your friendship, he doesn't know the kind-hearted and wise soul that you show through your beautiful writing. Have a wonderful day :) Love always, Juli-Michelle Richard Lamoureux October 3, 2014 at 2:12 PM What a thoughtful and kind visit, you have touched me.

Liam Mcdaid October 3, 2014 at 8:48 AM very stormy being honest over here smiling pal Liam Mcdaid October 3, 2014 at 9:52 AM in the mountains smiling donegal ireland Richard Lamoureux October 3, 2014 at 9:42 AM Sorry to hear that. Where is here?

Liam Mcdaid October 3, 2014 at 8:27 AM oh i have seen this in the offer of friendship breaks ones heart wonderful piece of writing richard excellent pen dear friend Richard Lamoureux October 3, 2014 at 8:45 AM Thanks Liam. I hope you are enjoying your day.

Debbie Guzzi October 2, 2014 at 7:15 PM yes me too [sometimes what we see as a gesture of wanting to be friends - they see as something else entirely] I never mean to harm [when and if I ever did you would not doubt or question & I would be ashamed of myself!] YOU tried! {a fine verse line 5 too?] Light & Love always Richard Lamoureux October 2, 2014 at 7:36 PM Thanks, I changed it. We have no control over how people interpret intentions and each filters our intentions through the lens of their experience. I have no idea where this experience will take me, I hope to learn something in the process.

Laura Breidenthal October 2, 2014 at 4:22 PM Wow..powerful piece here...you write straight from your heart and experience, and that is something I admire greatly in your work. Thank you for sharing this ..Always, Laura Richard Lamoureux October 2, 2014 at 6:46 PM Thanks again Laura.

Verlena S. Walker October 1, 2014 at 9:21 PM Good friends are hard to find Rick, which saddens when you know that you are offering friendship. I enjoyed this enrichment and hopefully this has no caused hinderance. Sending you a hug and a wink, Verlena... Richard Lamoureux October 2, 2014 at 6:47 PM Hugs back to you my friend.

Jerry T Curtis October 1, 2014 at 9:06 PM This was much to interesting, I was disappointed with not having more to read. I liked it---but I believe there is more to this story ! Richard Lamoureux October 2, 2014 at 6:48 PM It is an experience in process and I can only wait and see how it will play out.

Tim Smith October 1, 2014 at 6:40 PM You never really know what is going inside another person's mind...Maybe since don't have a friend they are just afraid....Keep being kind to them...Excellent thoughtful write Richard Lamoureux October 1, 2014 at 7:01 PM Thanks Tim

Casarah Nance October 1, 2014 at 2:40 PM Oh honey, you are such a good man, sometimes people have there own struggles. you are amazing and I am thankful to call you a friend. many hugs xx Richard Lamoureux October 1, 2014 at 7:01 PM the new site looks good Casarah. Richard Lamoureux October 1, 2014 at 3:27 PM I am glad to call you friend as well Casarah.

Dr. Upma A. Sharma October 1, 2014 at 11:10 AM Yes the way of life Richard! We in goodness can't construe the perception of the receiver which cud be negative sometimes n that makes us sad! But cheer up my friend n move on! Fabulous write! Richard Lamoureux October 1, 2014 at 3:28 PM I tend not to give up easily. Thanks for the kind words.

Eileen Manassian October 1, 2014 at 11:06 AM :( To lose you as a friend is tragic, Richard. I'm sorry he didn't understand. You voiced your pain and concerns well in this write. You've done what you could. Like Eve said...some people need time to heal. Take care, my dear....... Richard Lamoureux October 1, 2014 at 3:29 PM Yes, we have no control over another's thoughts. Time can be a great clarifyer, allowing us to put things in perspective.

Eve Roper October 1, 2014 at 10:59 AM Richard, l really enjoyed how you phrased these words that have a lot of meaning. I have done the same a few times in my life and have gotten the same response. I feel that there is a weakness in their lives that they are battling that they take your actions the wrong way. I’ve learned to say it is ok God knows what was in my heart. :) eve Richard Lamoureux October 1, 2014 at 3:31 PM I believe you are right. Thanks Eve, I will check out some of your writing, you seem like a thoughtful lady.