Richard Lamoureux Poet Free verse

Pin Pricks

My hands hold the bars
I’m a good prisoner
Hoping to be let out for good behaviour 
Head down
not meeting my jailers eyes

At night when the lights are off
When the moon is in the sky
When men cough and moan in the darkness
I reach through the bars towards the stars
My finger traces that golden orb
My mind explores pin pricks of silver
Traveling light years in mere seconds
no longer held by concrete and steel

When my jailers look at me
They don’t realize that I am a free man
Only my body is held in this place 
Where a man’s thoughts travel
there resides his soul 

Men are held in many prisons

Expectations 

Past traumas

Loveless marriages

Addictions 

Regrets 

They think

“If I hold onto the bars

keep my head down

Perhaps I’ll get out early for good behaviour?”

All the while not realizing that when they face a mirror 
they are looking into their jailer’s eyes.

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Gary Radice June 4, 2025 at 7:32 AM I really enjoyed the read Richard; it's a free verse that made (and tbh still makes) me think. I'm reminded of the Bob Marley quote: ""The hardest prison to escape is your own mind." Cheers - Gary

Arthur Vaso May 31, 2025 at 11:56 PM Came back with bad news you have been fined 6 bottles of wine for not writing more poems here, please contact me for shipping instructions! Richard Lamoureux June 1, 2025 at 9:37 AM Hahaha, sending 12 bottles of dandelion wine. Most suitable for cleaning toilet bowls. Consume at your own risk. If you consume it will still be functional as a toilet bowl cleaner.

CayCay Godwin May 26, 2025 at 5:08 PM I almost missed the 'list' form list. Thought it had concluded and was contemplating all the poem offered, so distracted, I almost missed out. It's like you entered into prison cell or the body of someone in the cell, to sell an authentic feel. You did it, then expanding it / transitioned to thought-provoking lines. The creative effort gave us a great poem to read. Due to its heaviness, I'm breaking out to shelter with somewhere silly ... CayCay Richard Lamoureux June 1, 2025 at 9:41 AM Sorry I missed your comment. Thanks for your visit.

Quoth Theraven May 1, 2025 at 8:19 PM Richard, Amazed at the escape artist and attempt to jailbreak from this construct you've made, and brilliantly at that. -Richard Richard Lamoureux May 17, 2025 at 3:05 PM Much appreciated, thanks for reading and commenting.

Anne Winter April 30, 2025 at 1:33 AM Dear Richard, this poem is really thought provoking. Sometime justice is really blind. In this cruel world, there are some innocent people that are rotting in jail while some actual criminals are walking free on the streets. And your poem captures this very appropriately. Best, Anne. Richard Lamoureux April 30, 2025 at 7:06 AM Thanksfor reading and sharing your thoughts.

James Marshall Goff April 27, 2025 at 6:06 AM Such warm responses to your awesome talent Richard, I concur with those below! Richard Lamoureux April 27, 2025 at 6:44 AM Thanks James.

Hilda Greenhough April 26, 2025 at 2:43 PM Your poem is very descriptive. It stirs my mind to imagine the harshness of incarceration. I hate to see someone there, but not sure I want them out. It is a lot to think about. Richard Lamoureux April 26, 2025 at 3:21 PM Totally understand. It’s hard to balance between protecting the public and rehabilitation. It’s important to remember there are people around the world incarcerated for political reasons. Justice is sometimes both blind and complicit.

Byeol Captain April 24, 2025 at 5:21 AM This poem is a good piece, exploring how we are prisoners of our own addiction and expectations in poetic way. Richard Lamoureux April 24, 2025 at 6:06 AM Thanks for reading and commenting.

Arthur Vaso April 21, 2025 at 2:03 AM Loved this, speaking for humanity and with compassion, my type of poetry. Richard Lamoureux April 21, 2025 at 5:54 AM Thanks my friend.

Susan Ashley April 19, 2025 at 9:48 AM Dear Richard, this is such a fantastic, soulful, reflective poem. I adore the concept of one's soul, imagination, thoughts being free though physically confined. Such a poignant, compassionate piece with a deep, emotionally resonate finale. An amazing piece of haunting sorrow, empathic beauty, hope, despair and realizations yet to occur. Warmest wishes my poet friend.. ~Susan Richard Lamoureux April 19, 2025 at 1:10 PM Thanks for the warm wishes. I appreciate your thoughtful response.