Richard Lamoureux Poet Rhyme

Landfill Harmonic Dedication Poem

My pulse quickened
As tears streamed down my face
I felt my soul race
Notes rising from discarded bits
Yanked out of plastic bags
from decaying pits
Skin sun baked and bleeding splits
Garbage, hand formed into instruments
So that these deaf ears might trace
The spectacle of true dignity
that poverty can't erase 
Theirs is a world far removed
from manicured lawns and lace

Strings and frets 
Oil cans and pipes
Found amongst the baby wipes
by people painted in scarlet stripes
By society treated like a disease
Some how finding music 
from coins cans and keys

Music resonates 
From a place with few trees
Pouring forth from polluted streams
People like these
sort out opportunities
that no one else 
would ever think to seize

There, a young girl
takes a tin violin in hand
She's transported to a magical land
White beaches and sand
Now symphonic dreams 
are hers to command 
Each chord played
feels like possibility
A fret held bridge  
to a different reality
She kisses a star 
Transcends their invisibility

Fruit tins and bent cookie sheets
An X-ray film to create a drum beat
People from around the world
Rise to their feet
Still the ones at home
Don't have enough to eat
Let us practice compassion
Repeat, repeat!
Rise from our seat
Think beyond privilege
In our land of the elite

The ones called "Garbage Pickers"
the low of the low
Moving in harmony quick and slow
What we hear and see
Will it cause our hearts grow?
Do we feel life's rhythm and flow? 
For, from what others have discarded
they have something to show
Winds of change are coming
Waters rising
Watch listen and see 
where the notes of change blow!


Dedicated to the people of Paraguay who work in the Garbage Dump of Cateura.
Check out the documentary "Landfill Harmonic".


Not entered in any contest.
Written March 9th 2016

♡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

Kim Merryman July 14, 2016 at 9:52 PM A powerful, moving write, Richard! Congrats on your placement in the contest!

Carol Eastman July 14, 2016 at 10:09 AM There will be no garbage pickers here in St. Louis. They buried radioactive waste in our city dump... which has since caught fire and is getting close to the radioactive waste... Government and clean up sources seem to be unwilling to go in and dig it up. Everyone has been draging their feet for years! What a mess! Richard Lamoureux July 14, 2016 at 10:26 AM That's terrible! Sorry to hear that Carol.

Weston Gregory April 4, 2016 at 8:09 PM Such imagery in this piece a real piece

Andrea Dietrich March 21, 2016 at 4:11 PM very interesting what you have done here and how much work you put into this very thoughtful poetry. I can imagine them sifting through it all. (one man's trash, another's treasure) it is such a shame to think of what we waste when so many need these things we throw away. WEll done, Richard. Richard Lamoureux March 21, 2016 at 9:35 PM Thanks Andrea, do check out the U-tube video.

Casarah Nance March 11, 2016 at 5:26 PM wow. just wow. you really know how to make the reader think about any subject even ones that are not familiar to them. You are awesome Rick. Hugs xxx Richard Lamoureux March 11, 2016 at 8:12 PM Thanks Casarah, coming from a talent like you the comment is appreciated. Hugs Rick.

Lin Lane March 11, 2016 at 4:22 AM I have seen the documentary and it made me feel guilty over that we take for granted. You've written about this issue is a clear message. Well done, Rick. Richard Lamoureux March 11, 2016 at 8:13 PM Thanks Lin.;0)

Timothy Hicks March 11, 2016 at 12:35 AM Not familiar with the documentary. But your observations of the less fortunate are hard to deny. A friend of mine once visited Thailand and she was amazed by how happy the children were over there ... despite living in cardboard boxes, with barely a penny to their name. It is as you say ... "People like these sort out opportunities that no one else would think to seize." There is more to cherish, when you have less. Richard Lamoureux March 11, 2016 at 8:14 PM That can be true, relationships play a larger role when you must depend on your neighbor.

Harry Horsman March 10, 2016 at 4:33 PM Yes while the supermarkets, of the wealthy counties discard tons upon tons of food every evening time, other as you write in this your awesome awareness poem have to scramble for the left overs... Poems like this need to written Richard.. Richard Lamoureux March 11, 2016 at 8:14 PM Thanks so much Harry!

Nette Onclaud March 10, 2016 at 1:06 PM astonishing observation of a slice of life, rich!... you uplift!..huggs Richard Lamoureux March 11, 2016 at 8:15 PM Thanks and hugs back to you Nette.

Paul Callus March 10, 2016 at 9:30 AM Excellent, Richard! What a creative way to tackle this topic! I have seen documentaries dealing with this, but will now go and check out "Landfill Harmonic". ~ Regards // paul Richard Lamoureux March 11, 2016 at 8:16 PM Pretty amazing isn't it Paul. Thanks for adding your positive comment.

Eve Roper March 9, 2016 at 10:41 PM This is wonderful, I saw where there was a river formed of garbage down the streets of Lebanon: 'River of trash' chokes Beirut suburb as city's garbage crisis continues :'( very sad . Richard Lamoureux March 9, 2016 at 11:17 PM Thanks Eve, look up Landfill Harmonic, you will be amazed.

Constance La France March 9, 2016 at 9:19 PM Richard, this skillfully penned write truly touched my soul, it really makes one think about the things that end up in the garbage, the waste in this society, 7~ Richard Lamoureux March 9, 2016 at 9:41 PM Thanks Constance, check out Landfill Harmonic on line, it's amazing!

Red Fiery March 9, 2016 at 7:08 PM Such a thought provoking poem...! I will definitely watch the documentary...your poems are truly remarkable...my fav lines from this piece.''.Rise from our seat Think beyond privilege In our land of the elite'' Richard Lamoureux March 9, 2016 at 7:36 PM Thanks Red, I always enjoy your visits! Hugs Rick.

Anne-Lise Andresen March 9, 2016 at 8:49 AM - An interesting and great write - I will check out the documentary to see the whole picture, Richard - hugs //Anne-Lise :) Richard Lamoureux March 9, 2016 at 9:14 AM Thanks Anne-Lise, I'm sure you will be moved.

Mama Bear March 9, 2016 at 8:30 AM Awareness can change the world and you are always there to take up the cause Well written and it may make people a lot more aware. Love mom Richard Lamoureux March 9, 2016 at 8:33 AM Good morning mom, I love you too!

Eileen Manassian March 9, 2016 at 7:51 AM You were truly inspired. What am amazing piece. Fabulous. I'm so so proud of you for bringing this to our a""vttention. Hugs Richard Lamoureux March 9, 2016 at 7:56 AM Thanks fo being the first to comment. Hugs Rick Richard Lamoureux March 9, 2016 at 7:55 AM Google the story, it's amazing!