Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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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!

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Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart Date: 6/6/2020 6:31:00 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 Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 6/6/2020 10:55:00 AM Thanks for seeking this one out. You are right, it is very recent history.

Marilyn Williams Date: 8/11/2016 10:32:00 AM Thanks for reading my poem and the comment. Yours was quite illuminating. Read more of me. Congrats! Login to Reply

Charlie Smith Date: 8/2/2016 8:57:00 PM Great company you keep in this winners circle, congratulations Richard... Login to Reply

Jan Allison Date: 8/2/2016 3:43:00 PM very clever using 'coloured blind' Richard a great message you penned:-) congrats on your win:-) hugs jan xx Login to Reply

Carrie Richards Date: 8/2/2016 3:17:00 PM This poem is humbling and with deep introspection. Indeed, profound is speaking the truth that speaks for itself. Well done, Richard !! Login to Reply

Tim Smith Date: 8/2/2016 2:07:00 PM It is great to read this significant poem again Richard. Congratulations on the placement. Login to Reply

Skat A Date: 8/2/2016 10:42:00 AM Richard, Congratulations on your win. Stop by and enjoy my latest blog 'Mistaken Identity.' Forever **SKAT** Login to Reply

Verlena S. Walker Date: 5/18/2016 7:27:00 PM A very powerful poem Richard that deals with introspection. I did enjoy this way of seeing difference. Awesome and very much liked. Verlena Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 5/19/2016 12:37:00 AM Hi Verlena, thanks for taking time to read it.

Dominic Amezimi Date: 3/28/2016 5:51:00 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! Login to Reply Dominic Amezimi Date: 3/29/2016 5:23:00 PM Thank you for sharing... it's in my favourites by the way! Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/29/2016 8:05:00 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 Date: 3/24/2016 3:38:00 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. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/24/2016 3:40:00 PM I'm pleased by your response Elaine? Thanks for commenting.

Iris E. Sankey- Lewis Date: 3/10/2016 8:15:00 AM I love your wit in sharing; expository, thought provoking truths turned gem. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/10/2016 8:21:00 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 Date: 3/8/2016 8:26:00 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 Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/8/2016 7:02:00 PM Hi Casarah, each generation changes it, unfortunately not always for the better. Hugs back to you Casarah. Thanks for the visit.

Nette Onclaud Date: 3/7/2016 11:02:00 AM you move with this superb piece filled with empathy, rich... i'm with you on this one!..huggs Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/8/2016 7:04:00 PM Thanks and a big hug!

Arthur Vaso Date: 3/6/2016 11:16:00 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! :) Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/7/2016 8:05:00 AM Good morning and a big thanks Arthur. On my way to read your poem.

Connie Marcum Wong Date: 3/6/2016 4:28:00 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! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/6/2016 6:47:00 PM What a great comment, thanks Connie.

Duke Beaufort Date: 3/6/2016 8:18:00 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. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/6/2016 8:25:00 AM Thanks Duke, I appreciate the thoughtful comment.

Timothy Hicks Date: 3/6/2016 12:57:00 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". Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/6/2016 6:55:00 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 Date: 3/5/2016 9:24:00 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 Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/6/2016 6:56:00 AM Thanks Eve, God is indeed the great equalizer.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 3/5/2016 7:47:00 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. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/6/2016 7:01:00 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 Date: 3/5/2016 7:21:00 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? Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/6/2016 7:13:00 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 Date: 3/6/2016 7:10:00 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 Date: 3/5/2016 4:48:00 AM nice sentiments Rick well thought out too hugs 7 Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/5/2016 6:37:00 PM Thanks Shadow.

Michael Tor Date: 3/2/2016 7:49:00 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. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/3/2016 6:04:00 AM You as well Michael. Thanks for the Visit.

Janis Medders Tobechi Date: 3/2/2016 7:19:00 PM Very thought provoking poem Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/3/2016 6:05:00 AM Thanks Janis

Tim Smith Date: 3/2/2016 4:29:00 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. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/3/2016 6:08:00 AM I think for a lot of people they don't know what they don't know. Thanks for commenting Tim.

Charmaine Chircop Date: 3/2/2016 1:44:00 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! Login to Reply Charmaine Chircop Date: 3/9/2016 6:58:00 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 Date: 3/3/2016 3:12:00 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 Date: 3/2/2016 2:01:00 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..

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