Meat and Potatoes

I got tired of losing
So much goddamn losing
Losing friends
homes
Hobbies
Moving to new towns and cities
Familiar faces of people I never met
Those who lived for years in the same place
They had their cliques
They got each other’s jokes
They knew what was on the next page
Mr. Jones down at the corner store knew them all by name
The bus driver gave them knowing nods
Big brash Bobby who was once cute little Bobby
“I don’t want no trouble today Bobby!”
Then they’d fist pump. 
I was the invisible kid, sitting next to the window, listening to the sound of laughter
I prayed “Please let this year  be different.”

For a while
I was the new kid
They were friendly and curious
Like a new flavour of Ice Cream, I was okay for a treat.
But they preferred the familiar chocolate and vanilla, 
or better yet meat and potatoes.
It was okay though, I’d be gone by next year.
They’d soon forget I’d ever been there.
I was the loser 
who couldn’t go over to Jimmy’s house to play
Ya that weirdo loser 
who couldn’t play baseball after school
The loser who had to go straight home

After a while I wanted to move
I wanted another fresh start
I was tired of losing
So much goddamn losing
Maybe the next town
or the next city would be different
Maybe if I tried really hard I could be chocolate or vanilla
Or even better, I could be meat and potatoes.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Kingston Avatar
April 18, 2024 at 8:08 PM
You are a winner as a poetry writer that's for sure. I feel less 'friendless' conversing and sharing on Poetry Soup. Perception is not always reality my mother used to remind me. Although, I agree, it's hard feeling left out and lonely. I've been there more as an adult than a teen. Without trying, I bet you could have been an ice cream sundae or filet mignon w/golden potatoes! Who could forget those?
Lamoureux Avatar
April 18, 2024 at 11:10 PM
What a thoughtful response. I’m sorry you can relate. I hope you have found your people. Blessings Richard.
Ball Avatar
December 30, 2023 at 10:57 AM
Well written and well described my friend. I been there too and wore the T-shirt far too long. I learned to be own own best friend. Got tired of trying to find a friend. Every friend I ever had that was a true friend had four legs and a tail. Can't find a better friend if you try. Good stuff here. God Bless, JB
Lamoureux Avatar
January 11, 2024 at 11:35 AM
Blessings to you too. I’ve found some keepers along the way. Still I agree it’s hard to beat the four legged variety.
Dietrich Avatar
December 21, 2023 at 1:26 PM
This is really nice, and I always appreciate your straightforward style , so down to earth and relatable. I too have been this "loser" until I got to Jr. High and told myself to hell with the popular kids. I tracked down other loners like myself and we had lots of fun in those days of Jr. High.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 21, 2023 at 10:08 PM
Things improved for me after grade ten.
Kelii Kekaula Avatar
December 17, 2023 at 6:12 PM
Former racial, the latter's radical, albeit, whate'er choice it is--whereto I've got an inkling--you're moving forward with your life. A blessed momentary share, Richard. Aloha, William
Lamoureux Avatar
December 17, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Much appreciated and blessings for the Christmas Season.
Delaney Avatar
December 17, 2023 at 9:52 AM
I can definitely relate to your story, Rick, having parents that moved frequently or moved us to different schools. Kids can be very clique. I was a loner in those situations but being a bookworm I welcomed the solitude sometimes but other times it would have been nice to feel I went back a long way in someone’s heart. A FAV for me. SuZ
Lamoureux Avatar
December 17, 2023 at 10:14 AM
Thanks for reading and commenting. Merry Christmas.
George Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 7:35 PM
We all wish to belong. When we feel that we are not accepted in a group, being a new comer, or when we voluntarily withdraw, we feel slowly becoming out of place. This will make us sad and lonely, especially when we are children. Some have the capacity to merge into any situation. They are the lucky ones. Richard, I can very well understand your feelings. This is a soul stirring poem.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 8:29 PM
Thanks Valsa. In the end it made me more versatile and able to adapt to my environment. I am thankful for my blessings.
Greenhough Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 6:14 PM
A good poem. Moving to new towns is gard on kids. Thank you. A beautiful vignette.
Greenhough Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 7:20 PM
Good for kids. Cat moved my arm
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 6:26 PM
Thanks Hilda.
Baker Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 12:49 PM
Preaching to the choir here, Rick ... 12 different school in my 12 year, 1st-12th grade. I resonate with these feelings well ... unfortunately. Nice poetry, my friend. Bill
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 2:59 PM
I’m sorry we share a similar experience. You weathered it well and turned out to be a nice guy.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 2:56 PM
I was pretty much the same until my last two years of high school. It’s nice to stay put the last 26 years of my life. Moving out west to British Columbia was a good decision.
Kauffman Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 11:23 AM
Richard, your words ring truth for so many kids who feel like "losers" and long for a fresh start anywhere but where they are. Wonderful metaphor - chocolate or vanilla, meat and potatoes. "Maybe if I tried really hard." Just one of your poignant lines that reaches deep into the heart that longs to belong. Your poem goes beyond childhood into the hearts of adults who long to belong. There is such a universality about this poem. Thank you for sharing. Sending blessings of joy to you.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 2:57 PM
Thanks Sam, I love this response. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Pandit Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 7:41 AM
Awesome write, Richard--your poem bring to fore lonesome childhood memories--speaking eloquently of the thoughts of a child wishing to fit in. Deeply felt.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 7:54 AM
Thanks Vijay. Blessings for Christmas.
Empress Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 7:09 AM
Richard, this is so very deeply emotive and so descriptive how you’ve done poetic storytelling. About a child that was constantly on the move and was struggling to fit in. Truly soul touching ans gut wrenching to read: i really love how you’ve mentioned “ Maybe if I tried really hard I could be chocolate or vanilla“ that just made me so sad: sigh. No child deserves that. Definitely a fave for me.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 7:55 AM
Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your empathic response.
Poet Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 6:47 AM
Richard, your eloquence encapsulated the fundamental nature of a riveting story. The constant yearning for stability and connection that permeates the protagonist reverberates deeply. The profound insight you have imparted through the symbolism of ice cream and meat and potatoes is evident in your words. Undoubtedly, writing functions as a cathartic conduit through which one can decipher the intricacies of previous emotions, especially regarding profound memories from one's youth.
Lamoureux Avatar
December 15, 2023 at 6:50 AM
Thanks for your poignant response. Blessings and Merry Christmas.
Cunningham Avatar
December 14, 2023 at 9:16 PM
It must have been quite stressful always being on the move and never being able to fit. It certainly takes time to build up a relationship with others who known each other since a young age, you'd always feel like the outsider looking in. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year Richard. Tom
Lamoureux Avatar
December 14, 2023 at 10:08 PM
You as well Tom. I’ve lived 26 years now in The same city. I have to admit it’s pretty darn good.
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