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Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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Now I See

I turned off the TV
It was just too hard
I couldn't look
Into those tortured eyes

Children
Little children
Surrounded by flies
So weak
Stomaches distended
It hurt to see them cry

I went to bed
It was time to sleep
Comfortable and warm
I counted sheep
Drifting off to a slumber deep

When I awoke
I was on a dirty floor
My body was freezing
I was chilled to the core
Not in a comfy bed anymore

In a room 
I didn't recognize
Yet somehow I knew it was home
Me here hungry and all alone
No one to help or pick up a phone

With frail hands
My fingers trace
Cracked lips 
An anguished face

I scream out in pain
Yet no one hears
No mom or dad
To wipe these tears

A living nightmare
Beyond my control
The life I imagined someone stole
So now my days are filled with shame
The other me he has no name
If I could go back I wouldn't be the same
I know
I know
I'm part to blame

Do you see me
On your TV
Can you look into my tortured eyes
This body surrounded by filth and flies
You can help don't you realize

Please
I beg you
Don't turn off your TV
I hope I hope
That you can see 
I am you and you are me




Inspired by Eileen Ghali's "I am a child" poem

Copyright © Richard Lamoureux | Year Posted 2013

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Debbie Guzzi Date: 1/6/2014 3:59:00 PM It's so sad & the 'charities' between them and the money, well [sigh] so many are corrupt. You have a fine heart. Light & Love Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 1/6/2014 4:00:00 PM Thanks Debbie, you are kind.

Monterey Sirak Date: 12/17/2013 8:13:00 AM This poem doesn't just tug at the heartstrings, it gives them a good yank! Children shouldn't have to suffer. I remember my mom telling me to always care for the children and the elderly because they were not able to care for themselves. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/17/2013 9:12:00 AM You have a wise and compassionate mom.

Richard D Seal Date: 12/15/2013 6:50:00 PM Great the way you placed yourself in his shoes, or lack of, you highlighted this disgrace brilliantly Rick, well written piece. Take care, Richard Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/15/2013 9:16:00 PM Thanks Richard, this is a great and appreciated comment.

Charmaine Chircop Date: 12/15/2013 3:01:00 PM A touching and sensitive piece which makes my heart bleed and tears roll down my cheek Tnks for sharing this Richard. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/15/2013 3:23:00 PM You have brought a year to my eye with this comment.

Sandra Adams Date: 12/14/2013 9:09:00 PM very powerful write Richard, the images are vivid and i could see them there and wanted to reach out...well penned! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/15/2013 1:02:00 AM Thank you Sandra, coming from you that is a special compliment. I so admire your talent. Hugs Rick.

Donna Jones Date: 12/14/2013 8:03:00 PM Yes you did do this respectfully and did it justice Richard and isn't that beautiful Sarai something else! Saying she gets the greater blessing devoting her life to helping these less fortunate.children..God bless you both... Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/15/2013 1:03:00 AM Thanks I am always happy to accept a blessing. You are very kind Donna.

Ilene Bauer Date: 12/14/2013 5:05:00 PM wow! so powerful and so sad! you've done a magnificent job in making the reader think and confront some uncomfortable issues... Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/14/2013 5:09:00 PM Thanks, I hope others can put themselves in these children's position and realize that in the end we are saving ourselves. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.

Wayland Bunch Date: 12/14/2013 4:42:00 PM This is pretty deep, reminds me kind of a theme Dr. Mehta recently covered. Empathy to this high degree is powerful in poetry, giving it a deep aspect, great work. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/14/2013 5:04:00 PM Thanks Wayland. I have started a Clerihew, let me know if I am on the right track.

Sarai Virden Date: 12/14/2013 12:46:00 PM I love what you did with this. I've spent 10 years between South America and Brazil caring for and loving those little faces in orphanages. Many are grown now and still call Momma Sarai.... Yet the beauty is... I am the one who received the greater blessing <3 Well done my dear friend! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/14/2013 4:37:00 PM That is wonderful that you have had the opportunity to kiss the face of God. His spirit resides within each of them.

Nette Onclaud Date: 12/14/2013 12:22:00 PM utterly sensitive it's plain to see you have a big heart for the less fortunate, rich... you astound.. beautiful!.. huggs Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/14/2013 4:37:00 PM Thanks and a hearty hug back to you.

Poet Tacito Date: 12/14/2013 9:03:00 AM I simply applaud you for this. Such a painful topic, but you did this some justice. Tremendous job. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/14/2013 4:38:00 PM Thanks Drake.

Eileen Manassian Date: 12/14/2013 7:18:00 AM Richard....my heart aches. My heart aches.......these days.....the weather is so cold here.......and so many children.....refugees from Syrian are out in the cold. It isn't right. You're poem.....beautiful........very very beautiful.......Would you mind if I share it with Norma? Perhaps she could use it for the newsletter? If you don't mind, that is......Thank you, for this lovely write. God bless Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 12/14/2013 7:22:00 AM Sure I would be honored.