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

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

Bocsa Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 2:06 PM
It is not hard to say you are a gifted person
Lamoureux Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 3:08 PM
You are kind, thanks for the visit.
Yvonne Avatar
November 25, 2014 at 12:08 PM
Very well put!
Lamoureux Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 3:09 PM
A belated thanks Maurice.
Sirak Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 7:36 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.
Sirak Avatar
December 11, 2014 at 9:00 AM
She loved it! She said no seems to be a common word with her now. She saved it to read again.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 3:10 PM
What was her response to the poem?
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 8:48 AM
I am honored Monterey.
Kayode Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 10:35 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 .
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 8:51 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.
Chircop Avatar
November 20, 2014 at 9:51 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.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 8:53 AM
One of my favorite comments, thanks Charmaine. Hugs Rick.
Nance Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 8:39 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
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 8:55 AM
I am indeed proud. Our son has earned many many yes's.
Kiser Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 2:20 PM
A man who understands the word, "no"; there's a novelty! Well written, sir!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 8:56 AM
Thanks M.L.
Mcdaid Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 10:58 AM
truly words spoken in wisdom richard very beautifully penned dear friend
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 8:58 AM
Thanks Liam.
Jones Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 8:47 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...
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 9:00 AM
My life has been super busy as well, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with everything. Thanks for visiting Donna.
Roper Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 8:36 AM
That word is hard for me to say and that is my sin, but a no, no, for wise decisions :) blessings eve "7"
Lamoureux Avatar
November 24, 2014 at 9:01 AM
Thanks for the visit and the seven Eve.
Virden Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 11:29 AM
Fences and wide open spaces... And all the love and wisdom in between. Beautifully written Richard.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 8:24 AM
So nice to see you Sarai. Thanks for the thoughtful visit.
Ellison Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 11:14 AM
Philosophical Mr. Westcoast Man! Great write! Jack
Lamoureux Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 8:25 AM
Thanks muchly Jack.
Trifiatis Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 4:22 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!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Thanks Demetrios, I appreciate your kindness.
Dietrich Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 12:30 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)
Lamoureux Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 7:33 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.
Bear Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:06 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
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 10:18 PM
Thanks mom, your good opinion of me means a lot to me. I love you too!
Haight Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 7:19 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
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 8:18 PM
Thanks Sandra, have a good evening.
Smith Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 6:37 PM
I try to say it to my two girls but they got me wrapped around their finger...excellent Tim
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 6:38 PM
Thank Tim.;0)
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 4:35 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
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 4:40 PM
You are kind Paul, thanks for adding a smile to my afternoon.
Anish Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 4:27 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
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 4:42 PM
It is hard to say no to people in need. Unfortunately there are limited resources and so many people in need.
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 11:57 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. :))
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 12:16 PM
Thanks Rhonda, I am honored.
Thajudeen Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:10 AM
No,very hard to say for a Banker too.very interesting dear poet Richard.Regards. -Safa
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Thanks Muhammad, what could I have done different to increase your rating from a 5. I am always looking for expert opinion.
Manassian Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:09 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!
Manassian Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Rick, thanks for being there for me this past month. You are a very loyal friend...a rare treasure. Bless you.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:12 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.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace