Richard Lamoureux Poet Rhyme

Shattering Rose Glasses

Uncomplicated me
I thought I was coloured blind
free thinking and kind
with an evolved mind
Loving and accepting 
of the ones I find

Yet my blindness 
Is that of privilege
I'm just a visitor
in the Global village
From my narrow thin mind
there is too much spillage

Although so many
are forced from their homes
My life seems carefree 
I am deaf to the groans
Brown women wearing veils
that can't protect them from stones

I live in a white washed place
No "Freedom Marches"
for men of a different race
Yet, if I look back and trace
there are darker stories to face
We all took part in shameful things
Yes, we share in the disgrace.

Highways of tears
Rivers of shame
There's always 
someone else to blame
Residential schools
Each child got a new name
They were forced to forget
the place from where they came

Prisons filled
with black and red skinned men
They can't forget
this now or that then
Promises and promises
but who how and when
Or will their children
have to live it all over again

So yes
No longer colour blind
With the opening of my mind
I let colour seep in
Starting somewhere different
today I  begin
Because I know
it shouldn't be
just the privileged who win!

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

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

1 2

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart June 6, 2020 at 6:31 AM Yup. I was horrified to learn about the residential schools, and more so to learn that they were still in operation when I was in school. Reconciling truth has shattered my rose lenses too. I feel this write. xomo Richard Lamoureux June 6, 2020 at 10:55 AM Thanks for seeking this one out. You are right, it is very recent history.

Marilyn Williams August 11, 2016 at 10:32 AM Thanks for reading my poem and the comment. Yours was quite illuminating. Read more of me. Congrats!

Charlie Smith August 2, 2016 at 8:57 PM Great company you keep in this winners circle, congratulations Richard...

Jan Allison August 2, 2016 at 3:43 PM very clever using 'coloured blind' Richard a great message you penned:-) congrats on your win:-) hugs jan xx

Carrie Richards August 2, 2016 at 3:17 PM This poem is humbling and with deep introspection. Indeed, profound is speaking the truth that speaks for itself. Well done, Richard !!

Tim Smith August 2, 2016 at 2:07 PM It is great to read this significant poem again Richard. Congratulations on the placement.

Skat A August 2, 2016 at 10:42 AM Richard, Congratulations on your win. Stop by and enjoy my latest blog 'Mistaken Identity.' Forever **SKAT**

Verlena S. Walker May 18, 2016 at 7:27 PM A very powerful poem Richard that deals with introspection. I did enjoy this way of seeing difference. Awesome and very much liked. Verlena Richard Lamoureux May 19, 2016 at 12:37 AM Hi Verlena, thanks for taking time to read it.

Dominic Amezimi March 28, 2016 at 5:51 PM Strong strong strong message... most probably borne from a burning thought. this is real writing Richard, the kind that will be read in public places 600 years from now, the kind that immortalizes you! KUDOS cos you have a classic here! Dominic Amezimi March 29, 2016 at 5:23 PM Thank you for sharing... it's in my favourites by the way! Richard Lamoureux March 29, 2016 at 8:05 AM If this were the only comment I received it would have been worthwhile writing this piece. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

Elaine George March 24, 2016 at 3:38 PM I have given much thought to this subject throughout my life and must admit that sometimes I am ashamed I am white. Hatred and superiority complexes are things that are taught to us. The need to put others down to build ourselves up, and the need to force our beliefs and will on others that don't see things the way we do. As children, before our innocence is corrupted, we accept each other at face value. This is a very powerful piece of writing, Richard. Everyone should read this. Richard Lamoureux March 24, 2016 at 3:40 PM I'm pleased by your response Elaine? Thanks for commenting.

Iris E. Sankey- Lewis March 10, 2016 at 8:15 AM I love your wit in sharing; expository, thought provoking truths turned gem. Richard Lamoureux March 10, 2016 at 8:21 AM Thanks Iris, the event was very thought provoking. Unfortunately there were not very many Caucasian people there to participate in the discussion.

Casarah Nance March 8, 2016 at 8:26 AM We all have someone to blame for our history, but this generation can change it, not the history but the blame. Being able to see a different perspective is the first step. This is a very good piece Richard.. Hugxx Richard Lamoureux March 8, 2016 at 7:02 PM Hi Casarah, each generation changes it, unfortunately not always for the better. Hugs back to you Casarah. Thanks for the visit.

Nette Onclaud March 7, 2016 at 11:02 AM you move with this superb piece filled with empathy, rich... i'm with you on this one!..huggs Richard Lamoureux March 8, 2016 at 7:04 PM Thanks and a big hug!

Arthur Vaso March 6, 2016 at 11:16 PM You are far from color blind, its hard to carry the pain of the world on our shoulders, and we grow and learn every day, but no one could write such a gem as this without 2 things, open eyes and open heart, I love all your poems, this one my friend, is more than a poem, its a door that others may open, to see the world in a new way! :) Richard Lamoureux March 7, 2016 at 8:05 AM Good morning and a big thanks Arthur. On my way to read your poem.

Connie Marcum Wong March 6, 2016 at 4:28 PM Your message is clear, filled with compassion in trying to imagine what it feels like to walk in another's shoes. I love your poem and your open mind and heart Richard. This is one of your best poems! #7++ and a fave! Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2016 at 6:47 PM What a great comment, thanks Connie.

Duke Beaufort March 6, 2016 at 8:18 AM How difficult it is indeed to appreciate the suffering of others! Then, to actually do something about it takes real empathy and indignation--as if it was done to me. Not so easy in this society of ours. We really need to focus on your message. Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2016 at 8:25 AM Thanks Duke, I appreciate the thoughtful comment.

Timothy Hicks March 6, 2016 at 12:57 AM You really went in some cool directions with your color blindness, and crafted your thoughts into something more impactful. It's simple to get caught up in our own daily problems, but there's always those who have it much worse. Johnny Cash was the Man in Black in mourning for the poor and beaten down ... you do the same in your "shattering of rose colored glasses". Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2016 at 6:55 AM Hi Timothy, I am also a fan of Johnny Cash. He wasn't the greatest singer but his heart more than made up for it.

Eve Roper March 5, 2016 at 9:24 PM We sure are ,Richard, all the same inside, made in the image of our creator, sacrificing himself to change the world. Lovely and emotional write, a 7 Sir Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2016 at 6:56 AM Thanks Eve, God is indeed the great equalizer.

Andrea Dietrich March 5, 2016 at 7:47 PM wow, this is so deep and so good. I hope Carlene gets it. You are saying so much in this poem. You of all people, who already is about as sweet as they come!!! I think you opened your mind years ago. Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2016 at 7:01 AM Hi Andrea, to be honest I have always gravitated to people of different colours. I find the different perspectives and experiences to be fascinating. I have also never been not warmly accepted. I find people tend to respond well if they are treated with respect. Thanks for responding to this piece.

Carlene Simpson March 5, 2016 at 7:21 PM Richard, if you could see my face now, i have a knitted brow......i'm reading and i'm thinking 'ethnicity'......Is your poem about racism? Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2016 at 7:13 AM The highway of tears reference deals with a highway where native women have been abducted and killed. There was a lack of police investigation and many families have never found closure. If they had been White women there would have been a public outcry. Richard Lamoureux March 6, 2016 at 7:10 AM Hi Carlene, yes indeed it is about racism and how sometimes even when it is not intentional, racism exists. Even my use of the word "Coloured" it demonstrates how a lack of historical context can have a person use a word without malice yet it perpetuates a negative message. I also deal with the oppression of our native population and the effect of the residential school system. As a society there are many wrongs that require healing. There are more messages if you read through it again.

Shadow Hamilton March 5, 2016 at 4:48 AM nice sentiments Rick well thought out too hugs 7 Richard Lamoureux March 5, 2016 at 6:37 PM Thanks Shadow.

Michael Tor March 2, 2016 at 7:49 PM Heartfelt write Richard. Full of deep rooted emotions and a caring for your fellow men and minorities that make our diversity special. Excellent write, truly enjoyed reading. Stay well my friend. Richard Lamoureux March 3, 2016 at 6:04 AM You as well Michael. Thanks for the Visit.

Janis Medders Tobechi March 2, 2016 at 7:19 PM Very thought provoking poem Richard Lamoureux March 3, 2016 at 6:05 AM Thanks Janis

Tim Smith March 2, 2016 at 4:29 PM This is excellent Richard. You have brought to life many things that we just don't see or many just don't care to see. Richard Lamoureux March 3, 2016 at 6:08 AM I think for a lot of people they don't know what they don't know. Thanks for commenting Tim.

Charmaine Chircop March 2, 2016 at 1:44 PM Oh gee.. I didn't know its a recent Colour blind poem .. Actually we were thinking about colour blindness on the same day : )..Oh its unbelievable. If the topics were similar ,you might have thoughtcI copied you : ) ..Am smiling now. Your topic is much deeper than mine though. It speaks volumes.. I too want to be colour blind with an open mind and even loving heart, so I could understand better, and feel more the pain of our brothers. A fave! Charmaine Chircop March 9, 2016 at 6:58 AM Being chinese is being very lucky..They are the smartest people on earth...So no wonder He grew out of it and got to realize how wonderful it is to have asian genes in his bloodstream. Richard Lamoureux March 3, 2016 at 3:12 PM Thanks for faving it. The city I live in was considered the whitest place in Canada. Our son was the only Chinese kid in his class. Some kids did pick on him but fortunately he worked past it. For my wife who speaks perfect English without an accent, people would talk really loud to her. Charmaine Chircop March 2, 2016 at 2:01 PM I live in a white washed place /palace too, where nearly all people on the isle are white, and some still think they are privileged kings and queens, and coloured or people who are muslims are to be treated less..Not all maltesers are like that ofcourse,but some still are. Ican smell those kind of people from miles away... and I hate it.. It hurts me as if I was a coloured or a veiled lady. Its sad Sad indeed..

1 2