Middle Aged White Guy

How do I shed the label
of a white oppressive man
Do I listen to the message
of Obama's "Yes we can!"
Perhaps I'll go out marching 
With women take to the streets
Hold placards of "Black Lives Matter"
While trying to feel their pained heart beats

Still I wonder should I feel guilty
for horrible things my race has done
Or would it not be better
If I instead loved everyone
My friends are many religions
Jewish, Muslim, Christian Too
I've conversed with Jehovah witnesses 
if you are Sikh I can learn from you

I'm unconcerned with color
or the kind of clothes you wear
I'm more interested in your story
and the heart you're willing to share
Don't see me as an enemy
Just because my skin is white
Understanding will replace our fear
Conversations can make things right

No one wants to be looked at
through the lens of a clouded eye
If you and I are both willing
a different logic will apply
In the end we are brothers and sisters 
there is but one human race
Each person wants a sense of belonging 
It's up to us to create that space.

Entry for Debbie Guzzi's " What is White?" Contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 2/26/2021 8:35:00 AM
Well written. I enjoyed reading your poem.
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Date: 6/2/2018 10:22:00 AM
BRAVO, my brother! Tears in my eyes, I am so touched by this amazing piece! Congratulations on all the well-deserved accolades you have received! Love and hugs. Pandita
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Date: 1/25/2018 7:15:00 PM
"I'm more interested in your story and the heart you're willing to share..." I love these words in your poem, Richard... a powerful write. Congratulations on your placement in the contest. Sandra :)
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Date: 1/25/2018 1:56:00 PM
I enjoyed your poem, Richard. Congrats on your well deserved win.
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Date: 1/24/2018 10:40:00 PM
Richard, congratulations on your win! Very powerful write it is up to us . Hugs Eve ~`*
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/25/2018 9:02:00 AM
Thanks Eve, hugs back to you.
Date: 1/24/2018 2:37:00 PM
Congratulations on your well deserved win Richard with this wonderful poem, a joy to read. :))
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/25/2018 9:02:00 AM
Thanks Roy.
Date: 1/23/2018 8:27:00 PM
Thank you, Richard, for being YOU, as always thanks for entering the contest & lovely to hear more from you this week. Congrad's Light & Love
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/24/2018 7:58:00 AM
Thanks Debbie.
Date: 1/23/2018 2:59:00 PM
I'm more interested in your story and the heart you're willing to share...love this line the best. As much as we as humans can get to know each other! Congrats!
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/24/2018 7:59:00 AM
Thanks Kim.
Date: 1/23/2018 11:41:00 AM
To be able to compose such thoughts so well reflects humanitarian. You love your fellows and respect them highly. Well written. Congratulations.
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/23/2018 1:46:00 PM
What a great comment. Thanks for your visit.
Date: 1/23/2018 10:22:00 AM
Remember the book in the 60's Black like me it was powerful
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/23/2018 1:47:00 PM
Hi Marc, I think it was made into a movie starring Rob Lowe.
Date: 1/23/2018 10:21:00 AM
When I read your poems I see im on the right track, Very nice Marc
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 1/23/2018 1:47:00 PM
Thanks Marc.
Date: 4/17/2017 1:35:00 AM
A well written piece. You have definitely covered all the stereotypes that the world sees everyone. You were right about this poem being related to "Dark". You obviously have put your mark on The Soup and it's a honor to be writing on The Soup with you.
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/17/2017 7:10:00 AM
What a nice thing to say. I have no doubt you too will add to the flavour of the soup.
Date: 3/3/2017 3:44:00 PM
You wrote well. No one ever talks about the Irish who were in slaved. Or, blacks selling and/or in slaving their own. Obama has not gone back to Chicago.
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Date: 2/17/2017 10:16:00 PM
This is brilliant Richard, congrats and I'm definitely going to fave this masterpiece; this poem should be posted on every street corner of the world!
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Date: 2/15/2017 6:12:00 AM
No one could have said it better !! You have expressed how most of us feel. Very frustrating !! Thank you !! ~~ JEANIE ~~ xoxo
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Date: 2/14/2017 8:44:00 PM
Missed your POTD, since I was not able to read here during the past few weeks. Belated congrats. Beautiful poem and sentiment.
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Date: 2/11/2017 5:45:00 PM
Read this one on FB, dear. Superb
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Date: 2/9/2017 1:37:00 PM
Beautiful truth this poem speaks, Richard. Very passionate plea for peace and spiritual harmony. Excellent poem voicing what many conscientious white people no doubt feel in their heart. Keep the love and knowledge flowing, my friend. Love and peace to you.
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/11/2017 1:20:00 PM
Thanks my friend.
Date: 2/7/2017 5:09:00 AM
Excellent Richard. My feelings exactly. My father was Sicilian and my mother a Native American. My mom was very proud of her race and indented that pride into me. When I found Christ I came to the realization that the only Blood that mattered was the Blood Christ shed for me. The color of your skin, your eyes, your hair, the blood in your veins is a personal gift from God Almighty. No one should ever have to be ashamed of that. Great Stuff. A seven from me. God Bless, JB
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/7/2017 8:10:00 AM
What a great response, thanks for sharing some of your story. Well said.
Date: 2/6/2017 10:52:00 AM
Unfortunately friend, few recognize such noble thoughts. Some have made religion a weapon of revenge and its leading nowhere! Congrats on your POTD. :)
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/7/2017 8:11:00 AM
That is true and sad. Thanks for commenting.
Date: 2/5/2017 7:22:00 PM
I just had to check this one out when I read the clever title. Love it. Too bad so many can't "get it"
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/7/2017 8:13:00 AM
The ones who do can change the world.
Date: 2/4/2017 10:28:00 PM
We need to see little children playing with each other more often. These little children, don't see color and don't understand why people say or do to them they just know and see it happens.. If we were all little children like Christ asked we would see each other as equals.. Nice write,Richard Hugs
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/5/2017 8:40:00 AM
I agree with you Eve, well said.
Date: 2/4/2017 10:17:00 PM
Richard this poem is outstanding!!
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/5/2017 8:40:00 AM
Thanks Carol.
Date: 2/3/2017 5:24:00 PM
Richard, Your creation, the poetic flow is amazing, surpassed only by the message you proclaim. 7 is not good enough! My best to you, chuch
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/5/2017 8:41:00 AM
What a nice thing to say, thanks.
Date: 2/2/2017 1:14:00 AM
Superb poetry here, Richard:) I agree with that last stanza:) congratulations on your POTD:)
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Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/5/2017 8:42:00 AM
Thanks, much appreciated.
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