Home » Poems » Richard Lamoureux » Shame

Richard Lamoureux - Premium Member

Richard Lamoureux

Poet Free verse

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.

Copyright © Richard Lamoureux | Year Posted 2017

abusechild abuseconfusionheartbreakfree verse

♡Like0

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

April 7, 2021 at 9:55 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

November 5, 2018 at 10:48 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

March 9, 2018 at 6:35 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

March 9, 2018 at 6:40 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

December 11, 2017 at 10:16 AM

You shall be pardoned one day! Wonderful write..

Richard Lamoureux

December 12, 2017 at 8:14 AM

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

Andrea Dietrich

December 3, 2017 at 5:01 PM

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

Richard Lamoureux

December 3, 2017 at 5:31 PM

Thanks Andrea, that is nice of you to say.

Unfamiliar Flower

December 2, 2017 at 8:20 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

December 7, 2017 at 1:29 PM

I’m enjoying very much thank you

Richard Lamoureux

December 2, 2017 at 9:19 AM

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

Geoffrey Brewer

December 2, 2017 at 3:00 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.

November 25, 2017 at 5:05 PM

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

Richard Lamoureux

November 26, 2017 at 11:25 AM

Thanks Akkina.;0)

November 25, 2017 at 8:18 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

November 25, 2017 at 9:06 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.

November 24, 2017 at 9:35 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

November 24, 2017 at 5:47 PM

Thanks Freddie, I always appreciate your visits.

November 23, 2017 at 12:31 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

November 25, 2017 at 9:11 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.

November 25, 2017 at 3:26 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

November 24, 2017 at 5:55 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

November 24, 2017 at 5:50 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.

November 23, 2017 at 6:58 AM

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

Richard Lamoureux

November 23, 2017 at 7:32 AM

Thanks Jo.

November 22, 2017 at 8:59 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

November 22, 2017 at 11:45 PM

Thanks John, I appreciate the thoughtful comment and visit.

November 21, 2017 at 11:05 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

November 22, 2017 at 7:49 AM

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

November 21, 2017 at 8:48 PM

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

Richard Lamoureux

November 22, 2017 at 7:49 AM

Thanks Line.

November 21, 2017 at 6:37 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

November 22, 2017 at 8:40 AM

Thanks Sunlite.

November 21, 2017 at 3:56 PM

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

Richard Lamoureux

November 21, 2017 at 3:57 PM

thanks Vijay.

Eileen Manassian

November 21, 2017 at 3:51 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

November 21, 2017 at 3:57 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.

November 21, 2017 at 3:08 PM

Your last line made me smile... You described shame well...

Richard Lamoureux

November 21, 2017 at 3:13 PM

Thanks for commenting Silent one.

November 21, 2017 at 3:02 PM

Heartbreaking write Richard! I feel the words. ~ Judy

Richard Lamoureux

November 21, 2017 at 3:03 PM

Thanks for being the first to comment.

Get a Premium Membership

Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.

Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace