Home » Poems » Richard Lamoureux » The Dark Side of a Coin

The Dark Side of a Coin

I roll along a dark ledge Teetering between yesterday and oblivion Contemplating one final sin My ultimate act of inner hate Do I have a choice or is it fate? A half second away from nowhere Feeling cool air blowing through my hair Wishing it could blow away my despair Lungs sucking in blackened air Wondering if I ever mattered Imagining blood splattered on dappled concrete As bones and surface meet I flip gleefully Imagining my relief Heart pounding in chest Beneath the letter held close to my breast Within it all my sins confessed Carefully laid out goodbyes Written in rhymes Thanking loved ones for the good times Apologizing Agonizing Trying to explain The coagulation in my brain Thoughts that overrun me like a morbid freight train Sunshine that never penetrates my rain One pennied foot in front of the other I roll out on the air Wondering if anyone will care My mind hyper aware A feeling that someone is there In that instant I change my mind Rotate and look behind There the Devil stands I see his hateful smile He's been whispering all the while In his hand he holds a file Labeled "Souls I've Taken!" I'm both stirred and shaken I feel my mind breaking as I'm awaken Mom says "get out of bed" My eyes wide open Thankfully not dead Remembering what the Devil's file said Sun shining brightly Through my window and pain I'm alive and sane Not a concrete stain I thank God I'm here Feeling thankful Once again! For Shadow's contest Written March 5th 2015

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

Gogster Dw

Date: 4/20/2015 7:33:00 AM

Hi Richard, I really enjoyed this read, its so deep and powerful and can be read on different levels. I really enjoyed this. Recina :-)

Cecilia Macfarlane

Date: 3/18/2015 7:52:00 PM

Richard, a thought provoking write, glad to see light overpowered the dark. Congrats on your excellent write and win! Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/19/2015 8:13:00 AM

Thanks Cecilia, hugs back to you.

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty

Date: 3/12/2015 9:24:00 AM

I'm alive and sane that is important in this mayhem world.Love Richard. Congrats on win. >>rajat

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2015 9:41:00 AM

Is any of us truly sane?

Dr. Upma A. Sharma

Date: 3/12/2015 2:36:00 AM

That's so lovely n expressive Richard! At times feelings everyone might get,, congrats on big win!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2015 8:21:00 AM

Thanks Upma.

Jan Allison

Date: 3/11/2015 3:19:00 PM

Dropping back with my congrats Richard:-) Hugs Jan xx

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2015 8:21:00 AM

Thanks Jan, hugs to you too.

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 3/11/2015 11:44:00 AM

hi Rick congrats on 2nd place hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/11/2015 12:47:00 PM

Wow, thanks Shadow!

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 3/10/2015 8:06:00 PM

Rick I am about to post winners and you still have not dated your poem hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/11/2015 10:44:00 AM

Thanks for trying, I missed this message yesterday. Hugs Rick.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/11/2015 10:35:00 AM

Thanks, I had it dated but for some reason it seems to have disappeared.

Liam Mcdaid

Date: 3/10/2015 10:49:00 AM

oh how i relate to this powerful pen richard truly excellent piece of writing faith is a powerful weapon in darkness often i pray for the light our only salvation in the end really inspirational piece

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2015 9:45:00 AM

Great comment, thanks Liam.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 3/8/2015 8:58:00 PM

Wow this was very powerful and thought provoking, and again your turn darkness into light! A7

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2015 9:44:00 AM

Thanks Arthur, you are kind!

Donna Jones

Date: 3/8/2015 11:27:00 AM

Wow Richard....I couldn't wait to get to the next line! Awesome job.....vibe of the movie no country for old men..simply love it..faving it

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/12/2015 9:46:00 AM

Sorry somehow I missed this amazing comment. Thanks Donna.

Paul Callus

Date: 3/8/2015 9:24:00 AM

Dark, but ending in positivity. Powerfully expressed...thankful to be alive! Notwithstanding all, life is beautiful! #7 // paul

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/8/2015 9:29:00 AM

Thank you Paul.

Nette Onclaud

Date: 3/7/2015 4:41:00 PM

such power in your word subtly dark and unique rick,, thanks for your recent contest.. very interesting,, huggs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/7/2015 5:44:00 PM

Thanks Nette. Huggs back to you.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 3/7/2015 11:41:00 AM

I miss reading something new, Rick. I hope you post what we talked about.....as it is. It's beautiful. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/7/2015 5:46:00 PM

I love this avatar it makes me think of the 60s.

Monterey Sirak

Date: 3/7/2015 7:55:00 AM

Fantastic, Rick. Your descriptions show how it is to reach that dark place, especially the first line..."I roll along a dark ledge" Sometimes all it takes is a small gust of wind to topple one way or the other.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/7/2015 5:46:00 PM

Thanks Monterey.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/6/2015 5:59:00 PM

I really enjoyed this one, Richard. i think Shadow will too, and it is not so dark when you consider it was only a dream in the end. I have a poem where the devil grabs me at the end. It was based on a true nightmare I had in the 70's. Was yours based on a real dream?

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/6/2015 6:03:00 PM

No, just imagination and tapping into youthful feelings of despare.

Carrie Richards

Date: 3/6/2015 4:53:00 PM

I'm so glad to know this is not a current state of "dark".... These are powerful words, that I am sure many others will find kinship, from one time or another. We have all felt ourselves teetering at some time in our lives. A strong and powerful poem this is!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/6/2015 5:29:00 PM

Thanks Carrie.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 3/6/2015 3:03:00 PM

cont- can become the brighter side of the coin,by being touched by the way true believers love and forgive.We all have a million chances to see the sun and feel its warmth,even the crucifier of Jesus had a chance and that fills me with hope.I am thankful that I was taught about my God,as the God of love.You will only be taken by angels Rick.You are human like me,but I can feel it,you love your God..A deep poem that makes me scrutinize my compassion for others..Powerful words Rick

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/6/2015 4:31:00 PM

Thanks Charmaine, this thoughtful comment warms my heart.

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 3/6/2015 2:54:00 PM

This poem reminds me of Saul and St.Stephen.Saul killed st.stephen cuz he was a christian,and whilst stephen was being killed,He looked at Saul and forgave him.Saul later converted to christianity cuz of the act of love He saw and God.The devil cried that day im sure.Our inner hate for those who bring us suffering,that is the evil part in us and yes we can be taken,or praying to God to help us hate the evil deed yet not the enemy.The enemy is a victim of the devil too..He is taken,He too

Njeri Hunjeri

Date: 3/6/2015 12:34:00 AM

Am also guilty as charged of past dark thoughts. I enjoyed the write. I wish you the best in the contest

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/6/2015 9:00:00 AM

Thanks Njeri.

David Meade

Date: 3/5/2015 10:36:00 PM

I felt the air sweeping past me as we fell and what a relief to be awaken . . . may we always hear that voice when darkness surrounds us! Well done Richard . . . you took us on a deadly trip and helped us see the nasty face of evil and hear the sweet voice of love. 7 Inspiring and empowering.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/6/2015 9:01:00 AM

What a wonderful response David.

Kp Nunez

Date: 3/5/2015 6:37:00 PM

Riveting, as all your writes are, Richard. Intense emotions jump from the page and grips the reader. Outstanding piece. :D Kim

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/6/2015 9:02:00 AM

You are kind Kim.

Jan Allison

Date: 3/5/2015 3:12:00 PM

such a powerful write Richard such intense sad imagery - my heart goes out to anyone with these dark thoughts and sadly it can end in tragedy - thankfully your poem has a more positive ending. excellent entry for the contest:-) Good luck:-) hugs Jan xx 7 xx

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/6/2015 9:02:00 AM

Thanks Jan, I do prefer to end on a positive.

Casarah Nance

Date: 3/5/2015 12:10:00 PM

wow this is intense emotions, I understand them for once upon a time dark thoughts entered my mind, thankful for incomplete acts. Best of luck in the contest sweetie, hugs.xx

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/5/2015 1:48:00 PM

Thanks dear one. I am thankful as well.

Emile Pinet

Date: 3/5/2015 11:53:00 AM

A sad story filled with hurt and deep human feelings. The author skillfully brought the reader into the story and we felt like we were there, entertaining deep thoughts spurred by the author's words. The rhythm worked well here, giving each line an emphases and strengthening the effect it had on the reader. Emile #7++++

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/5/2015 1:49:00 PM

I am pleased by your thoughtful reaction, thanks my friend.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 3/5/2015 9:58:00 AM

So did I, Richard. Those dark thoughts revisit me at times. Powerful write.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 3/5/2015 10:14:00 AM

I hope you will seek God's comfort and never act upon the deceiver's lies. Hugs Rick.