Richard Lamoureux Poet Quatrain

Listening For Change

It seems easier to hate 
because you're different then me
If I change my way of thinking
then I might be able to see

Everything has a reason
If I take time to look back
By truly understanding
I won't go on the attack

For once I begin hearing
my ears will open my heart
Change can happen in a moment
if I'm willing to play my part

For if my expectations 
are for you to be just like me
I will become your oppressor
and neither of us will be free

I ask you not to fear me
instead listen to me too
Those things we have in common
I believe will be quite a few....

For Becca's Contest

Written July 23rd 2016

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Paul Callus August 9, 2016 at 12:14 PM It makes no sense to be stubborn and only try to do things our way (even if Sinatra says he did!). It also makes no sense if we expect others to listen to us and go by what we say. Reciprocal listening can be helpful...so is sifting through words! // paul Richard Lamoureux August 9, 2016 at 12:23 PM Thanks Paul, I am always happy to listen to your words.

Becca Teagan August 9, 2016 at 12:51 AM sorry it took me so long to get around to commenting on this, Rick... this is really an outstanding poem and I love the message.. really it's as simple as listening.. and trying to understand others. Thank you so much for sharing this. Hugs Richard Lamoureux August 9, 2016 at 8:15 AM A big thanks and hugs back. I appreciate you picking it.

Chris Hagy August 6, 2016 at 7:11 PM Great write...and good message:)

Janice Canerdy August 6, 2016 at 6:44 PM A 7 for this WINNING poem, Richard! Janice

Arthur Vaso August 3, 2016 at 9:32 PM I was just reading other comments, Congrats on your win, its obvious why! :)

Arthur Vaso August 3, 2016 at 9:29 PM Love this, did you send it to Trump? :)

Casarah Nance August 3, 2016 at 7:55 AM :) hugs... just missing your excellency, hope all is well xxx

Viv Wigley August 2, 2016 at 7:15 PM Congrats on a worthy piece with much truth, Richard. Regards, Viv

James Peranteau August 1, 2016 at 10:51 PM This write appears all too believable, for this I dubb thee winner of this contest! *sm....have a wonderful week Richard, it was a pleasure reading you and am enjoying my recent return!...much love, james

Vladislav Raven August 1, 2016 at 8:09 AM Hi Richard, Justv dropping by with my Congratulations in your placement in the contest. I enjoyed the read first time around and i enjoy it the second time round just as much so the piece gets asnother seven from me Richard. Those words of yours shall always sing Richard. This is a definite seven....Mike.

Teddy Kimathi August 1, 2016 at 7:21 AM Congrats Richard, for your placement with yet another fine piece!! ;-)

Wendy Rycroft July 31, 2016 at 11:29 AM Congrats 1st xxxxxxxxxxxx

Alexis Y. July 31, 2016 at 10:16 AM Hi Richard, I agree with your message of change. Well done. Congratulations on your 1st place win. It was well deserved- 7:-) Alexis

Andrea Dietrich July 29, 2016 at 9:25 PM I never did come up with anything. I bet the contest closed by now too!!! happy Friday, my friend. now maybe for you, going on Saturday. Richard Lamoureux July 30, 2016 at 1:05 AM In one hour from now it will be Saturday. Thanks for the visit Andrea.;0)

Eileen Manassian July 28, 2016 at 2:01 AM Know I soupmailed you about this since I wasn't on SOUP for a bit, but I just want to tell you....I miss you. You must be very busy. It's not like you not to answer posts. All the best with the plans. Hugs Richard Lamoureux July 28, 2016 at 8:27 AM Yes we're crazy busy, between company, packing and traveling for work there is barely time to breathe. After September 2nd things should return to normal fo a little bit. Thanks for he visit and hug Eileen.

Jan Allison July 26, 2016 at 4:21 PM Made me smile Richard as I am having issues with my hearing - we can 'hear' but we don't always 'listen' and that is a huge difference:-( good luck in the contest:-) hugs Jan xx Richard Lamoureux July 28, 2016 at 8:29 AM So true, for many people they are to busy thinking about what they want to say that they can't hear the person in front of them.

Vladislav Raven July 25, 2016 at 6:39 PM Hi Richard, an excellent write once more. How can we understand if we don't listen to others? I hope this one does well in the contest. Would this world be a better place if we did communicate? This piece makes one think deeply on the question and it is one we should think deeper on. This is a seven and a fave Richard....Mike. Richard Lamoureux July 28, 2016 at 8:30 AM You are kind Mike, sorry for the late response.

Viv Wigley July 25, 2016 at 5:31 PM A fine write, Richard, and how very true. Real communication has two elements, and if there is no listening, not just hearing, everything goes belly up. Good luck in the contest. Regards, Viv Richard Lamoureux July 28, 2016 at 8:30 AM Thanks Viv, much appreciated.

Andrea Dietrich July 25, 2016 at 1:38 PM great ideas and well written, Richard. I really should try this particular contest. I can't seem to get myself to listen to that video or song. And now I am rushing off again!! Listening is SO important in today's world! Richard Lamoureux July 28, 2016 at 8:31 AM I'm sure you will come up with something terrific Andrea. Take care.

John Hamilton July 24, 2016 at 12:28 PM A lot of common sense here, as is always reflected in your words, listening out of respect we will learn something, great write! Richard Lamoureux July 24, 2016 at 7:21 PM Thanks John.

Richard D Seal July 23, 2016 at 6:15 PM Yes true Rick, I have an asian friend who does salsa dancing and no, we do not have that in common lol, but we do have many others. I don't know what the contest is but hope this does well. Take care, Richard Richard Lamoureux July 24, 2016 at 8:05 AM Hi Richard, great to see you, I hope you are well.

Nette Onclaud July 23, 2016 at 3:49 PM and so it is, rich!... such a wise, splendid reflection!.. huggs Richard Lamoureux July 24, 2016 at 8:04 AM Much appreciated Nette. ;0)

Weston Gregory July 23, 2016 at 1:22 PM This is a sentiment that has to be mirrored... Nicely done Richard Lamoureux July 24, 2016 at 8:04 AM Thanks Weston. ;0)

Lin Lane July 23, 2016 at 12:50 PM An open heart and mind can really change a person...loved this write. How are you, Rick? I'm visiting the writes of some friends today, so I thought I'd come to see you. Hugs! Richard Lamoureux July 24, 2016 at 8:03 AM So nice to have you visit. Hugs Rick.

Carol Eastman July 23, 2016 at 11:13 AM Great to see you featured! Congrats! Richard Lamoureux July 24, 2016 at 8:03 AM Hi Carlol, thanks for the visit.

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