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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

Date: 6/4/2025 7:32:00 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

Date: 5/31/2025 11:56:00 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
Date: 6/1/2025 9:37:00 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 Jennings

Date: 5/26/2025 5:08:00 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
Date: 6/1/2025 9:41:00 AM

Sorry I missed your comment. Thanks for your visit.

Quoth Theraven

Date: 5/1/2025 8:19:00 PM

Richard, Amazed at the escape artist and attempt to jailbreak from this construct you've made, and brilliantly at that. -Richard

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 5/17/2025 3:05:00 PM

Much appreciated, thanks for reading and commenting.

Anne Winter

Date: 4/30/2025 1:33:00 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
Date: 4/30/2025 7:06:00 AM

Thanksfor reading and sharing your thoughts.

James Marshall Goff

Date: 4/27/2025 6:06:00 AM

Such warm responses to your awesome talent Richard, I concur with those below!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/27/2025 6:44:00 AM

Thanks James.

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 4/26/2025 2:43:00 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
Date: 4/26/2025 3:21:00 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

Date: 4/24/2025 5:21:00 AM

This poem is a good piece, exploring how we are prisoners of our own addiction and expectations in poetic way.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/24/2025 6:06:00 AM

Thanks for reading and commenting.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 4/21/2025 2:03:00 AM

Loved this, speaking for humanity and with compassion, my type of poetry.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/21/2025 5:54:00 AM

Thanks my friend.

Tom Woody

Date: 4/19/2025 12:31:00 PM

True freedom resides within? I see where you're going Rick. In fact, JW's in Russia are being thrown into prison for merely attending a Christian meeting or having a Bible discussion. Some are getting six and seven year sentences. But their integrity and faithfulness keep them looking upward toward the moon and beyond

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/19/2025 1:09:00 PM

Yes providing what spirit resides within us. Bondage or freedom. What humans think is freedom is often the former. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Susan Ashley

Date: 4/19/2025 9:48:00 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
Date: 4/19/2025 1:10:00 PM

Thanks for the warm wishes. I appreciate your thoughtful response.