It's Hard To Say

No
A small little word
And yet so hard to say
It tempts me to say
Maybe
Maybe I can make it work
I so desperately want to say yes
It hurts
Crushes me
To see you disappointed
Those times when I have no time
When I am stretched to the limit
Commitments 
Piled
One on top of the other
The important less important things in my life
When I have no energy
No extra to give
No way of knowing if I'm making a mistake
I say no to give myself a break
Some space to breathe

Sometimes no
Is meant to protect
No you can't go
To that party
Spend time with that girl
Hang out with that guy
No I won't change my mind
Even though I have to be the bad guy
No is a declaration
That I care for you
I want only the best
I want no harm to come to you
No is a tool I use to strengthen you
No you can't quit
You must finish what you start
There is no better feeling
Than seeing you succeed 
Those times I said 
"No, you can do it on your own."
Even though I desperately wanted to help
No meant I trusted and believed in you
You can do more than you think you can
No one is more proud of you

I wish you to know
The power of no
When it comes to a girl
No really does mean no
When you are put in an awkward place
You don't have to say yes
Choose your no wisely
No I don't want to go
No I don't want another drink
No I have somewhere else to be
No I will not let you treat her that way
No you cannot cross that line
No I deserve better than that
Yes, no is a small little word
It can change your path
Give you time to breathe
No, opens up possibilities
To choose
The yes
That is right for you
Yes or no
I believe you will choose wisely
Even though no
Can be a hard word to say

Copyright © | Year Posted 2014



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Date: 12/9/2014 2:06:00 PM
It is not hard to say you are a gifted person
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/9/2014 3:08:00 PM
You are kind, thanks for the visit.
Date: 11/25/2014 12:08:00 PM
Very well put!
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/9/2014 3:09:00 PM
A belated thanks Maurice.
Date: 11/24/2014 7:36:00 AM
Rick, may I send this poem to my daughter? My granddaughter is turning fourteen in a few weeks. As our children grow we seem to be saying no more and more.
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Monterey Sirak
Date: 12/11/2014 9:00:00 AM
She loved it! She said no seems to be a common word with her now. She saved it to read again.
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/9/2014 3:10:00 PM
What was her response to the poem?
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:48:00 AM
I am honored Monterey.
Date: 11/22/2014 10:35:00 PM
"No is a declaration That I care for you", words can be roses,you put these together in a way that make them so; how strategic "NO" can be? Many are today what they should not be,because they fail to say no to what should not .
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:51:00 AM
That is true, there are also a lot of people in the world because young men and women didn't know how to say no.
Date: 11/20/2014 9:51:00 AM
No I won't quit reading your poetry,because yes,there is always a message to munch and act upon. We have to use our words wisely even at times when No isn't the most attractive words to use. Wise words Richard,tnks for sharing-Charma.
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:53:00 AM
One of my favorite comments, thanks Charmaine. Hugs Rick.
Date: 11/19/2014 8:39:00 PM
Wow, well said, I know I am going to be saying No a lot to my little girl and teach her how to say it in certain situations, you speak with the skills of a caring parent, wise and proud. xx
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:55:00 AM
I am indeed proud. Our son has earned many many yes's.
Date: 11/19/2014 2:20:00 PM
A man who understands the word, "no"; there's a novelty! Well written, sir!
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:56:00 AM
Thanks M.L.
Date: 11/19/2014 10:58:00 AM
truly words spoken in wisdom richard very beautifully penned dear friend
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 8:58:00 AM
Thanks Liam.
Date: 11/19/2014 8:47:00 AM
Wow....glad I picked my tablet up this morning Richard....my life has been crazy...:-) ...thanks for stopping by...now this is awesome...no sure can be the best and most powerful word....one to be respected...
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 9:00:00 AM
My life has been super busy as well, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with everything. Thanks for visiting Donna.
Date: 11/19/2014 8:36:00 AM
That word is hard for me to say and that is my sin, but a no, no, for wise decisions :) blessings eve "7"
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2014 9:01:00 AM
Thanks for the visit and the seven Eve.
Date: 11/18/2014 11:29:00 AM
Fences and wide open spaces... And all the love and wisdom in between. Beautifully written Richard.
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/19/2014 8:24:00 AM
So nice to see you Sarai. Thanks for the thoughtful visit.
Date: 11/18/2014 11:14:00 AM
Philosophical Mr. Westcoast Man! Great write! Jack
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/19/2014 8:25:00 AM
Thanks muchly Jack.
Date: 11/18/2014 4:22:00 AM
"No" my dearest friend, Richard, resembles the medicine we take, although it is bitter to the taste it is sweet for our health, if with measure is used! Excellent, profound and salutary advise that springs from knowledge! A seven for form and content!
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/18/2014 7:30:00 AM
Thanks Demetrios, I appreciate your kindness.
Date: 11/18/2014 12:30:00 AM
what sage advice you offer here. A very good poem this is,Richard. You are one of the wisest poets I know here. Stay always this cool! (I bet your kids adore you)
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/18/2014 7:33:00 AM
Good morning Andrea, we have one son and he is one of our greatest blessings. If I were to look back over my life, my one regret is that we did not have more children.
Date: 11/17/2014 9:06:00 PM
Your no's were very effective. Matthew grew up to be a fine young man. You knew how to use the word effectively and others should take note Well written and expressed. I am proud of you in all ways Love Mom
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 10:18:00 PM
Thanks mom, your good opinion of me means a lot to me. I love you too!
Date: 11/17/2014 7:19:00 PM
Richard, such a wonderful poem filled with words of wisdom that are so true. Nicely put into words that come from straight from the heart. Fav+7. Sandra
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 8:18:00 PM
Thanks Sandra, have a good evening.
Date: 11/17/2014 6:37:00 PM
I try to say it to my two girls but they got me wrapped around their finger...excellent Tim
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 6:38:00 PM
Thank Tim.;0)
Date: 11/17/2014 4:35:00 PM
I say YES to your words of wisdom, Richard. Behind this expressive write I can sense years of experience, understanding and love for others. I hope many will read this poem and stop to think about its content. // paul
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 4:40:00 PM
You are kind Paul, thanks for adding a smile to my afternoon.
Date: 11/17/2014 4:27:00 PM
No can be a very hard word to say. I used to work in a welfare office and had to turn down desperate people at times. Nice work! Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 4:42:00 PM
It is hard to say no to people in need. Unfortunately there are limited resources and so many people in need.
Date: 11/17/2014 11:57:00 AM
You share very wise words, Richard...oh, how I can relate to this as a parent! Nothing in life is more difficult or more rewarding. To my faves this one goes. :))
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 12:16:00 PM
Thanks Rhonda, I am honored.
Date: 11/17/2014 9:10:00 AM
No,very hard to say for a Banker too.very interesting dear poet Richard.Regards. -Safa
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 9:17:00 AM
Thanks Muhammad, what could I have done different to increase your rating from a 5. I am always looking for expert opinion.
Date: 11/17/2014 9:09:00 AM
YES YES YES YES to this lovely poem, Richard. I loved it. It is so beautiful and so full of wisdom. You are amazing. :) BTW...add an e to breath! Hugs!
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Eileen Manassian
Date: 11/17/2014 9:17:00 AM
Rick, thanks for being there for me this past month. You are a very loyal friend...a rare treasure. Bless you.
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2014 9:12:00 AM
No I'm not going to change it! Just kidding thanks for pointing it out. I love your avatar picture, it is a joyous smile. Hugs back to you Eileen.
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