The Editing of Me

My words were rewritten until they became yours
As grammar and syntax perfected your thoughts
Pages lined with highlighters polished me to extinction 

I wanted to resist all of those good intentions
Yet I knew you wanted your best words for me
You weren't listening so you couldn't hear what I was asking for
Poor boy me I lacked the courage to say it loud enough
I felt my voice become tiny as my heart disappeared

Sure my words were somewhat awkward
Still I had things to express that way
My rhythm was imbedded in the word play
You crumbled my granite and turned it into clay
It happened slowly a bit day by day 

I was there hidden in the disconnected details
Crystal blue eyed observations to share
Becoming myself on the verge of aware
You could have found me there
My words weren't lacking weight or substance
Like a series of road signs I pointed in a certain direction
I wasn't looking for polished perfection
What I desired most was emotional connection!

The trip must have seemed hard
You couldn't see past the curves in my road
It was to difficult to decipher my emotional code
So instead you bulldozed through my mind
with a big truck weighted with your own heavy load

If only you could have lingered and waited
Maybe you could have been sated
My words were interplayed and related
The strength of your ego I had not anticipated
In your wake I was left dejected and frustrated

There had been points of interest along the way
sprinkled star dust amidst the Milky Way
Beneath were gardens in which you could have come to play
There was no rush, I wanted you to stay
Until my liquid thoughts were morphed into hay

There before you
I had erected statues of delight 
adorned in billowing fabric made of light 
Perhaps you were blinded by my bright
unexpected in the middle of the night

You could have occupied my pleasure
Below my surface a spring fed treasure
A gift for you beyond measure
You could have witnessed the essence of me
Even though you came so close
you just couldn't see...

This is an old one that I have significantly reworked.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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12
Manassian Avatar
August 25, 2017 at 5:48 PM
Coming back your way to assure you you are missed. This poem...so many layers. It always pains me when I read of your pain. Can understand how anyone would make you feel this way. You have treasures in your heart to share. Blessings.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 26, 2017 at 6:26 AM
Thanks Eileen! We are in Ontario celebrating my Niece's wedding. Hugs Rick.
Hicks Avatar
September 3, 2016 at 6:23 PM
The merging of two souls through reconstruction of one's faults, and the edification of one's triumphs. There's a lot of depth here, Rick, yet at the same time easy on the mind. "You crumbled my granite and turned it into clay It happened slowly a bit day by day" ... "So instead you bulldozed through my mind With a big truck weighted with your own heavy load" ... just some killer lines worth repeating. Beautiful!
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 9:35 AM
Interestingly although at the time the editing was difficult, it was needed and my voice remained in tact. In the moment it felt like a sort of ripping as I was so desperately trying to hold onto the insignificant bits that felt so very important in the moment.
Lindley Avatar
September 2, 2016 at 9:31 AM
I REWORK MY OLD POEMS FROM THE 70'S/80'S..Mostly because age has shown me errors and also allowed me to color more. This is a jewel and seems to me likely was one even before the editing.. You have a masterpiece here my friend! I saw that at the start.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 9:36 AM
It is kinda cool to traverse yesterday and today. Thanks for visiting.
Lewis  Avatar
September 1, 2016 at 7:10 PM
Love this poem beautiful flow well written hugs :)
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 9:40 AM
Thanks Gail.
Daniel Avatar
August 29, 2016 at 4:52 AM
This is such a lovely deep write, Richard:) a lot to think about:) a fave for me:)
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 9:50 AM
Thanks Jo.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 9:50 AM
Sorry, for some reason the system doubled up my message.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 9:49 AM
Thanks Jo.
Fleming Avatar
August 24, 2016 at 4:33 PM
Interesting comments about editing our work. I made some remarks about this very subject today. I wonder what all the great poets would have thought about the convenience of the internet? I bet plenty of editing and re-editing would have occurred. Enjoyed the read, Richard!:My very best regards. :) john
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 2:47 PM
I think you are right, paper was expensive back then.
Combs Avatar
August 19, 2016 at 8:12 PM
Truly great shows the most important part in poetry the improvement through rework
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 2:47 PM
Thanks Damont.
Wigley Avatar
August 11, 2016 at 12:16 AM
So many worthy elements, Richard, and I think we can all find something in this buffet that we recognize the taste of. I'd be interested if a rework was needed because you're feelings have changed? Regards, Viv
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 2:50 PM
I would say yes to a point. Now looking back I see it was important for me to distill my thoughts and focus on the relevant ones. If I read my book now, I am proud of what I accomplished and still there are changes that I would make.
Marie Avatar
August 9, 2016 at 10:04 PM
Wow! This is richly layered with incredible introspection. Leaves one to ponder "will I ever be satisfied", if so, "at what cost", and will I ever be "seen for who I really am". I love the depth, the intricacies, it's brilliant simplicity. Masterful writing, a pleasure to read. Congrats in the contest, most deserving. blessings, lynn
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 2:51 PM
Thanks Lynn, I'm pleased with the result.
Richards Avatar
August 9, 2016 at 7:29 PM
Such a thoughtful work, Richard. How true those last lines are! We can be so close, and yet not "see" what is right before our eyes! Well done!!
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 2:53 PM
Still it is not their responsibility to see, it is our responsibility to clearly communicate. Thanks for commenting Carrie.
Smith Avatar
August 9, 2016 at 7:10 PM
Good to see this on the podium Richard...congrats
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 2:53 PM
Hi Tim, it as a pleasant result. Thanks my friend.
A  Avatar
August 9, 2016 at 2:27 AM
Hi, RICHARD Congratulations on your win. Stop by and enjoy my latest blog (MR PERIOD.....) it's another one of my lazy blogs. Luv **SKAT**
Lamoureux Avatar
September 4, 2016 at 2:55 PM
Hi SKAT, thanks for picking this one. Sorry for such a late response, we have been moving out of our house.
Y. Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 8:59 AM
Hi Richard, This is such a deep well written piece. Whether one voices it are not "we" all long for a emotional connection. A without doubt seven:-) Alexis
Lamoureux Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 9:21 AM
Thanks Alexis!;0)
Trifiatis Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 1:33 AM
Didactic and profound, many lessons to learn here! Excellent writing dear, Richard. A SEVEN.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 7:54 AM
Thanks Demetrios. Much appreciated.
Andresen Avatar
August 6, 2016 at 10:57 AM
- A fabulous poem, deep and touching .... an impressive write, Richard - A 7! - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Lamoureux Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 7:55 AM
Thanks Anne-Lise. A big hug back to you.
Godwin Avatar
August 6, 2016 at 8:49 AM
An emotional ride worth the journey ... CayCay
Lamoureux Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 7:56 AM
Hi Cay Cay, I'm glad you enjoyed it. ;0)
Chircop Avatar
August 6, 2016 at 8:37 AM
That is what I love in a poet..Not the perfection..because anybody who is real isnt perfect...But I love the ability for that poet to connect.. Its too bad when We cant see beneath the surface of words..I do see you ...between the lines..and what I see inspires me to become a better person...Fantastic Richard...It is ok when we edit words..We all do that...but if editing words mean losing ourselves...then that poet doesn t belong to who we are..Thats sad. A fave.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 7:57 AM
Thanks for this heart felt response Charmaine.
Chircop Avatar
August 6, 2016 at 8:38 AM
Poem not poet : )
Yvonne Avatar
August 6, 2016 at 6:13 AM
Love this Richard, simply a fav! I can't tell you how often I have re-written my pieces lately. I am such a nag and I am not very good at waving myself off.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 7, 2016 at 8:07 AM
Yes the hard part is if we over cook and lose the essence of the original piece.
Curtis Avatar
August 5, 2016 at 6:33 PM
This is quite a clever write Rich, You may not have been looking for it, but I think you found "Polished Perfection" God Bless
Lamoureux Avatar
August 5, 2016 at 8:26 PM
What a nice thing to say, thanks Jerry.;0)
Warrior Avatar
August 5, 2016 at 10:04 AM
Superb editing of oneself...but we all do that at the end...great verse Richard...god bless...^WW^
Lamoureux Avatar
August 5, 2016 at 10:13 AM
Thanks Winged Warrior, much appreciated.
Dietrich Avatar
August 4, 2016 at 6:35 PM
I was thinking you wrote this about someone who had been cruel to you but reading the comments, I think I got that wrong. It is a very profound and well written poem, richard. It is certainly in no need of a rewrite. I love this~
Lamoureux Avatar
August 5, 2016 at 7:49 AM
Ha ha, interestingly this was an old poem I chose to rework. Thanks for the positive comment Andrea.
Horsman Avatar
August 4, 2016 at 8:15 AM
I read the comments, leaves not a lot i can find to say, so from my simple aspect Richard, 'your poetry moves me deeply'
Lamoureux Avatar
August 4, 2016 at 8:50 AM
In its simplicity your heartfelt comment moves me. Thanks Harry.
Vaso Avatar
August 3, 2016 at 9:28 PM
The introspection is very deep, what an amazing creative poem! :)
Lamoureux Avatar
August 4, 2016 at 12:27 AM
Thanks Arthur.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 4, 2016 at 12:21 AM
Thanks Arthur.
Kent Avatar
August 3, 2016 at 5:43 PM
A powerful deep and enjoyable read.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 3, 2016 at 6:07 PM
Thanks Ron.
Raven Avatar
August 3, 2016 at 3:45 PM
Hi Richard, as always, there is meaning in the words you write, there is the message that comes through strongly as your words flow down the page. Sometimes people just can't see the real you, the soul of the man who writes the words. You are and shall always be a highly respected poet and i can say it is an honour to know you and read your words. When you write from the heart your words are so real. This is a definite seven Richard and a fave....Mike.
Lamoureux Avatar
August 3, 2016 at 6:08 PM
You are kind Mike, the honour is mine.
12
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