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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

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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

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.

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

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.

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!

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...

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...

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.

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!

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

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.

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

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/14/2013 7:22:00 AM

Sure I would be honored.