Richard Lamoureux Poet Persona

Smoking Section

I wanted to hangout, 
to be with the cool kids!
There standing together,
leaning against brick walls. 
Holding their cigarettes, 
rotating the filter between thumb and fore finger.
Putting Export A's up to their mouths for an extended drag.
The smoke seemed to surround them in a cloud of respect.
That was the time before their fingers had become yellowed,
before their teeth had lost that Colgate brightness.
They, in that moment were at the peak of their perfection,
oblivious that sometimes, tomorrow can be a cruel joke.

"What are you looking at?"
I looked down at my suddenly fascinating shoes,
watched my shoes move me in a different direction.
Their laughter stuck to me like a piece of discarded bubblegum.
So I kept walking, until I found a different self.
Determined, I carved out my own itsy bit of coolness.
A certain walk,
a bit of aloofness. 
Not trying so hard to be liked.
Me the mysterious stranger,
dark clothes,
an aura of dangerous!

I tried it out for a while,
It somehow seemed to work.
"Lamoureux, you want a cigarette?"
"Na I ain't into that Sh_t!"
I walked away holding my head high,
"whatever dude.."
Somehow saying no added to my rep,
a certain kinda bizarre respect!
Army boots, metal cleats clicking as I sauntered away.

Then I went home
Changed back into familiar clothes,
dressed like myself head to toes.
Just a bit outside of normal I chose.
Said goodbye to my make believe, didn't need it anymore.
Just walked past it and slammed that door!
I had known cool for just a bit, it never truly did fit.
That dark bleeding persona wasn't me,
I needed my inner awkward to be let free,
but without being afraid of what others would see.
Friendly is how I was meant to be,
so I started climbing high up in my own tree
Fully myself, not some fake man of mystery.
Adios cool self, you're ancient History!

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Heather Ober September 9, 2015 at 3:24 PM I LOVE everything about this one! I can't imagine you ever being anything but friendly, sweet and supportive. A very interesting glimpse into your mind. Richard Lamoureux September 9, 2015 at 5:36 PM You are sweet Heather. What a nice thing to say.

Brenda Rose July 10, 2015 at 1:31 AM Thank you for your review of my work. You are very talented as is shown in this poem. The story that many teenagers face is told beautifully and in clever rhyme. I give it a definite 7! Keep penning Richard Lamoureux July 10, 2015 at 7:38 AM My pleasure. Thanks for visiting and commenting.

Jill Spagnola July 7, 2015 at 12:55 PM "I needed my inner awkward to be let free" I love that line and your poem :), jill Richard Lamoureux July 10, 2015 at 7:37 AM Thanks Jill much appreciated.;0)

Julia Ward July 7, 2015 at 9:26 AM A poem of self-discovery in the awkward teenage stage... Finding our own place on life's platform is hard. A 7 - (I put this in this time.) Julia, xx Richard Lamoureux July 7, 2015 at 9:33 AM Thanks Julia.

Funom Makama July 2, 2015 at 10:41 AM Great poem with a lovely message. Thanks for the Grade 7 share. Richard Lamoureux July 7, 2015 at 9:33 AM Thanks Funom, much appreciated.

Verlena S. Walker July 1, 2015 at 1:08 AM Your perception of self was well conceived Richard. Enjoyed! Verlena Richard Lamoureux July 1, 2015 at 7:29 AM Thanks Verlena.

Eileen Manassian June 30, 2015 at 12:04 PM I think, whatever persona you choose, you'd rock it. I'm glad you are comfortable in who you are, Richard. Now and again though, I think we need to find ourselves through trying different. Hugs Richard Lamoureux June 30, 2015 at 12:22 PM Yes, I think we can discover bits of our selves that way. I think that is why I enjoy writing.

Ravindra K Kapoor June 29, 2015 at 7:21 AM A very cool and sweet poem dear friend. The way you have narrated a situation and the conflict of mind is beautiful. I have not placed any new poem but a Blog is there. Love and best wishes always...Ravindra K Kapoor Richard Lamoureux June 29, 2015 at 8:20 AM I will check it out.

Afolabi Muideen June 29, 2015 at 3:15 AM A lovely write Richard this save as an encouragement for those who involved in smoking and those who have not discover themselves. This fabulous narrative poem related to me, I am glad to dropped by to read this....excellent and wisely penned....stay blessed................A.M. Richard Lamoureux June 29, 2015 at 8:20 AM Hi AM, I pleased you related to my piece.

Constance La France June 28, 2015 at 6:07 PM Richard, this is an outstanding 7 and an inspiration that each of us should just be us and thanks for visiting my poem, a garden with wings, I have been on a winning roll for sure Richard Lamoureux June 29, 2015 at 8:19 AM Thanks Constance. Keep on rolling!

Ndaba Sibanda June 28, 2015 at 1:34 PM A poem that got me visualizing Richard refusing to accept an offer from the Smoking Section. The vividness of this narrative speaks to our life, our conscience and our social experiences. Richard Lamoureux June 29, 2015 at 8:18 AM Thanks Ndaba.

Kp Nunez June 28, 2015 at 8:26 AM A cool write, Rick, as is finding your own self. I bet many of those kids in the smoking section have already said "Adios" to a healthy life long ago. Love the way you write these snippets in your life. Richard Lamoureux June 28, 2015 at 8:38 AM Thanks Kim, I'm pleased you enjoy my little stories.

Casarah Nance June 28, 2015 at 8:14 AM Oh when we are young we try so hard to find ourselves and our place. You are such a fabulous story teller, I walked every footstep there with you. :-) Richard Lamoureux June 28, 2015 at 8:38 AM I appreciate the company, you can walk with me any time Casarah.

Mama Bear June 27, 2015 at 5:20 PM You are one of the coolest Dudes I know. Living in a smoke filled home did not do anything to make you want to smoke so it was indeed the wisest choice. Though emulation was never your strong suit You have always been a fantastic individual Much love Mom Richard Lamoureux June 27, 2015 at 5:35 PM Thanks mom, this was a fun one to write. I was always in the middle somewhere, flirting at the edges of cool and friends with the kids others didn't recognize as cool. Somehow all the while not feeling like I truly fit in in either spot.

Arthur Vaso June 27, 2015 at 10:30 AM First, I wanna see a photo of the "Dark" Richard! I can surely relate to this poem, I never smoked, and was never in on the in crowd! I remember well my mother told me one day, being different now may not seem so cool, but wait a few years, and being yourself will be in very high demand! A7 Richard Lamoureux June 27, 2015 at 5:43 PM Have another look, I did a bit of editing. Richard Lamoureux June 27, 2015 at 12:10 PM Ha ha, I was a bit camera shy. I do have some pictures of my Fro! Do you remember when perms were the rage?