Richard Lamoureux Poet Pantoum

Mincing Words

I placed his words upon a chopping block
Will this blade be sharp enough for the task?
They say the first cut is the deepest.
I can't cut them up fast enough.

Will this blade be sharp enough for the task?
All these words that have hurt me so.
I can't cut them up fast enough!
Perhaps in smaller pieces they might taste better.

All these words that have hurt me so.
Words make up the recipe of my disaster.
Perhaps in smaller pieces they might taste better.
I chop them up with tremendous enthusiasm!

Words make up the recipe of my disaster 
Once separated will they be of little consequence?
I chop them up with tremendous enthusiasm
Uncontrollable tears escape from my eyes

Once separated will they be of little consequence?
They say the first cut is the deepest.
Uncontrollable tears escape from my eyes!
I place his words upon a chopping block.

Written June 18, 2016

For John Lawless's contest.

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David William Breidenthal December 28, 2016 at 8:51 AM This piece is very thought-provoking and brilliant ^_^ -JWE Richard Lamoureux December 28, 2016 at 9:50 AM I appreciate you exploring my poems.

Freddie Robinson Jr. November 10, 2016 at 2:54 PM Great poem, great pantoum poem, Richard. Very riveting subject, written w/the skill of a master poet. Very profound insight of how to cope w/this odious issue. Love and peace, brother.

Joyce Johnson June 29, 2016 at 10:52 AM Turn those hateful words into sawdust. That's a good idea. Thank you for reading and commenting, Richard. Love, Joyce

Becca Teagan June 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM EXCELLENT, awesome job with this theme! You rocked it. Richard Lamoureux June 26, 2016 at 9:07 AM Thanks Becca. ;0)

Janice Canerdy June 21, 2016 at 5:20 PM Richard, a 7 for this powerful, well-written poem that made me cry. Verbal abuse leaves a scar as bad as--or worse than--physical abuse! Janice Richard Lamoureux June 21, 2016 at 8:47 PM Thanks Janice, sorry to make you cry.

Sandra Haight June 21, 2016 at 10:08 AM Such an amazing and powerful poem, Richard! I like your take on this theme of literally 'mincing' words! So well-written. 7 from me and best wishes for the contest. Sandra Richard Lamoureux June 21, 2016 at 11:36 AM Thanks Sandra.

Timothy Hicks June 21, 2016 at 12:50 AM As John says below me, you do always have a special way at looking at things ... often allegorical, and usually hard hitting. The concept of eating words brings to mind the Bible verse about the prophet eating a scroll, tasting like honey at first, but then turning sour in the stomach. Richard Lamoureux June 21, 2016 at 7:10 AM An interesting perspective Timothy. I like your allegorical comment.

John Hamilton June 20, 2016 at 10:07 AM Very nicely done, as always Richard you seem to interpret things in a unique and special way, only those with this background of abuse can really comprehend the depth of hurt words can cause and the long lasting effects, hope this does well in the contest! Richard Lamoureux June 20, 2016 at 2:30 PM Thanks John, words do indeed hold great power.

Scott Thirtyseven June 20, 2016 at 8:07 AM Fabulous pantoum, may you do well in the contest. I really liked the title, it goes well with the TV that is on in the background. We are in election mode here, and our current Prime minister is facing questions from the audience. I just wish that I could cut his words into small pieces and rearrange them into what I would like to hear. Richard Lamoureux June 20, 2016 at 8:21 AM Ha ha, that would be great ore should I say grate *lol*!

Arthur Vaso June 19, 2016 at 10:34 PM When reading your poetry, not only it is beautiful, but also inspiring, as with many this poem resonates with me. :) Richard Lamoureux June 20, 2016 at 12:18 AM What a nice thing to say Arthur.;0)

Andrea Dietrich June 19, 2016 at 12:56 PM wowowow, I have not read many in this category but this one I see as a big winner. VERY creative. I have been trying to think of the perfect approach for this one too. Hopefully i can come up with something very soon. GREAT pantoum Richard Lamoureux June 19, 2016 at 5:45 PM I'm sure you will Andrea.;0) thanks for the nice comment.

Connie Marcum Wong June 19, 2016 at 9:24 AM Richard, I think John will like your entry. I am beginning to question my entry. I would never be brave enough to attempt a pantoum. You did really well with your entry. ; ) Richard Lamoureux June 19, 2016 at 9:44 AM Once you do a few it comes easier. I have no doubt that you can take this form. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.