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Shame

Shame covers me with a black robe,
it makes me feel dirty and unworthy.
So my eyes are cast downward,
observe the blush of my cheeks.
I fear our secret will be revealed!
If so will I lose God's favor?
To whom will I make my confession?
"Shame on me." Somehow it feels worse..
He makes me feel responsible for his sin.
Mom please don't make me go to Mass!


For World Vision Poetry Contest. 

A new form, I hope I got it right.

abusechild abuseconfusionheartbreakfree verse

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Lesa Rodden

Date: 4/7/2021 9:55:00 AM

What an insightful poem. It's only too sad that this devastation is a life long battle. Thank you for sharing that part of yourself that could risk a feeling of vulnerability. These kinds of things reach far deeper than anyone without this damage/experience could ever imagine. You must be a very strong individual. I love your explanation and the realness of this poem. Thank you again.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 11/5/2018 10:48:00 AM

Hi Richard, this is powerful, real poetry that flows from your pen. You have skillfuly worked this poem as I feel a deep sadness after reading. As always, you have created a strong and emotional piece that truly touches the heart. This has to be a fave Richard. Have a wonderful Monday. your friend always....Mike.

Muhammad Imtiaz

Date: 3/9/2018 6:35:00 PM

hi Robert As always , you seek pardon in a very clear and from your heart. God always listen and pardoned those who truly seeks His apology.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/9/2018 6:40:00 PM

In this case the child was sinned against and felt shame. He took on the sin of his perpetrator who abused his power.

Punnia Viswan Bhatia

Date: 12/11/2017 10:16:00 AM

You shall be pardoned one day! Wonderful write..

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/12/2017 8:14:00 AM

I’m curious, why do I need to be pardoned?

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 12/3/2017 5:01:00 PM

I would say YES you got it right. I loved that last line!!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/3/2017 5:31:00 PM

Thanks Andrea, that is nice of you to say.

Unfamiliar Flower

Date: 12/2/2017 8:20:00 AM

a really great poem, when it comes to guilt may feel the same way... it is very well expressed and on target with a perfect ending

Unfamiliar Flower
Date: 12/7/2017 1:29:00 PM

I’m enjoying very much thank you

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 12/2/2017 9:19:00 AM

Thanks Antonia. How are you enjoying your time here at he soup?

Geoffrey Brewer

Date: 12/2/2017 3:00:00 AM

This poem conveys the dark shame and pain of guilt, but has a nice twist in the tail. I touché on the subject in my poem: MEA CULPA.

Akkina Downing

Date: 11/25/2017 5:05:00 PM

I like it a lot. Many can relate to this Richard. Best of luck in the contest... hugs and smiles :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/26/2017 11:25:00 AM

Thanks Akkina.;0)

Mick Talbot

Date: 11/25/2017 8:18:00 AM

I thought the reference here was to paedophilia, and if that is the case then no form of repentance will clear one of that guilty shame. If I am wrong then please accept my apologies. Regardless, a well-penned poem.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/25/2017 9:06:00 AM

Thanks Mick, no apology required. It is a horrible crime I hope that repentance is possible because it would mean a turning away from the sin and thus prevent other suffering. This is an unimaginable depravity and you are justified in feeling the way you do.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 11/24/2017 9:35:00 AM

Powerful self-awareness themed poem, Richard. When the stain of shame is passed on to another ... who then bears the original blame? You pose such wise, thought-provoking questions in this supremely insightful existential poem. Another mind-bending piece of prose. Love and happy holidays wishes to you, my dear friend.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2017 5:47:00 PM

Thanks Freddie, I always appreciate your visits.

Faraz Ajmal

Date: 11/23/2017 12:31:00 PM

A really beautiful written poem, you know what s worse than a doing a sin is not having shame, it s always there, if you don t have it then you ve no right to be considered a human being but our God is most forgiving, no matter how many times we do a sin, if we truly repent it and ask for forgiveness, he ll accept it for He knows our hearts,

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/25/2017 9:11:00 AM

In my faith I am not able to earn my salvation however having a relationship with my Savior and God impacts my behaviour. Being in relationship with God causes me to want to please God. The way to do that is to obey His word which is the action you speak of. Still it is not the action that saves me but rather God’s kindness.

Faraz Ajmal
Date: 11/25/2017 3:26:00 AM

Sir, as this is a poetry website so I m not so keen to discuss religion, but no one can pay for our sins, as it s mentioned in Ezikeel chapter 18 verse 20 that the soul in it shall die, the father will not bare the inequality of the son and the son will not bare the inequality of the father, the righteousness of righteous shall be upon him and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him, well being a muslim I believe that the way to salvation in not only by believing but by action

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2017 5:55:00 PM

Yes, we need to repent which means to turn away from our sin. However without God's help it is highly unlikely we'll succeed.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/24/2017 5:50:00 PM

We were not made to have a spirit of shame. In fact shame is contrary to the image of God in Who's image we are made. Thankfully through God's grace and Jesus's sacrifice our sins are as far as the East is from the West. We no longer have to live under shames power.

Joanna Daniel

Date: 11/23/2017 6:58:00 AM

Deep and powerful, Richard...you've done more than well with the word you chose:)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/23/2017 7:32:00 AM

Thanks Jo.

John Hamilton

Date: 11/22/2017 8:59:00 PM

To whom will I make my confession? You said it all with this question, very powerful write Rick, reminds me of my I was just a kid poem, but mine was a little more blunt. I like this discreet style, maybe has more impact. Enjoyed this very much!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/22/2017 11:45:00 PM

Thanks John, I appreciate the thoughtful comment and visit.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 11/21/2017 11:05:00 PM

Very powerful, a word I certainly dont associate with you, more like humble, compassionate, kind and funny! Great write! good luck in contest!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/22/2017 7:49:00 AM

Thanks Arthur a little luck could be just what I need.;0)

Line Gauthier

Date: 11/21/2017 8:48:00 PM

Disturbing... just like it was meant to be. Very well done, Richard.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/22/2017 7:49:00 AM

Thanks Line.

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 11/21/2017 6:37:00 PM

A poem that touches almost everyone. One powerful line "He makes me feel responsible for his sin." Too often we do take on someone else's guilt.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/22/2017 8:40:00 AM

Thanks Sunlite.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 11/21/2017 3:56:00 PM

You wrote this well Richard--a unique theme well depicted!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2017 3:57:00 PM

thanks Vijay.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 11/21/2017 3:51:00 PM

I come from a shame/honor culture. To bring dishonor to one's family is the worst kind of pain...It is compounded more when you have been forced into something against your will. This is a sad peek into abuse that those in authority position inflict on the innocent. So sad...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/21/2017 3:57:00 PM

My wife's Chinese culture is very similar to yours in that respect. Losing face is a huge concern. I think North American culture has swung the pendulum a little to far in the other direction.