Richard Lamoureux | + Follow Poet |
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The Fix

He fills his syringe with poisoned words
pulling the letters one by one from his rusted spoon
They rise up through the needle in perfect order
"Disgusting"  "failure" "worthless" "loser"
There in the cylinder they mix together
until they are a perfect black ink
Although he no longer sees the words
their meanings are not lost on him

As he injects them into his arm
he feels the blackness
Ink travels slowly up his arm towards his heart
At first he enjoys the burning sensation 
as capital letters make way for the smaller ones
In the moment he's convinced they are lies
When they reach his heart
he becomes a true believer

By choosing to be less than he is
he occupies his excuses 
The I can'ts and never coulds
The poor me's
All the reasons 
he's not good enough 
The words stack one on top of the other
until his heart is filled with empty
Empty promises
Empty dreams
Somehow this comforts him
He holds tightly to
It's not my fault
It's just the way it is
His is a waking dreamless slumber
only lies seem believable
So he injects another word 
"Anger"
Then a question
"Why do others have all the luck?"

Someone who cares
Takes a silver spoon
Fills it up with better words 
Feeds him nourishing words
Smart, tenacious, kind and happy
He starts with small sips
one letter at a time
in front of him a golden bowl
filled to the brim with phrases
"You are Lovable"
"Anything is possible"
"Your opinion is important"
At first he is convinced they are lies
Until they reach his gut
Until he becomes a true believer
Taking everything to heart
Satiating his empty
Now he can see beyond what he thought was impossible
His actions speak louder then words
His life is not a wasted gift
From this day forward
He's living his life to the fullest!




Inspired by Jai Bankson's poem "The Habit" check it out!

Copyright © Richard Lamoureux | Year Posted 2016

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Poet Tacito Date: 3/26/2016 2:50:00 PM Now that's an ending I can deeply appreciate. Forward, always. Yes! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/27/2016 9:28:00 AM Thanks again Drake.

Red Fiery Date: 3/24/2016 11:37:00 AM Sometimes we are not able to understand ourselves... There is always a conflict... Something like an endless battle.. Your poem has depicted the truth.... Man should listen to his inner voice... A very inspiring piece, Richard!... I feel so proud to be your rreader... And your Fan... 7/7... Hugs alll the way... RED Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/24/2016 3:00:00 PM As always you are generous, it's appreciated. Hugs Rick.

Elaine George Date: 3/24/2016 7:56:00 AM The power of words - they can break a soul or make it whole. Sensational writing, Richard. Elaine Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/24/2016 3:01:00 PM Thanks Elaine, check out my Rose Glasses poem. I would appreciate your thoughts.

Timothy Hicks Date: 3/24/2016 2:18:00 AM An allegory for the soul. We absorb what we hear, it enters our hearts, and then exits out of our mouths. A simple compliment is like that boost that rejuvenates your being. Absolutely brilliant and profound, Richard. I was so happy by the turn around at the end, too, as I find extended metaphors revolving around drugs really creepy to tell you the truth! Especially when the drug reference is built around something positive, like love or something, (which yours wasn't) ... Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/24/2016 5:45:00 AM Thanks Timothy, that's why I switched the use of he spoon to feeding and nourishment.

Jan Allison Date: 3/23/2016 7:18:00 PM A powerful message - You have a remarkable gift with words Richard:-) hugs Jan xx 7 Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 10:05:00 PM Thanks Jan. ;0) hugs back.

Charmaine Chircop Date: 3/23/2016 4:00:00 PM How important it is to believe in ourselves, so that then We can believe in the others, even if they feel rock bottom.. The words of encouragement definitely do miracles. Positive message. A fave cuz it deserves it. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 7:13:00 PM Thanks Charmaine, this is a very thoughtful response. Hugs Rick.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 3/23/2016 3:09:00 PM oh, wow, I got to the end and saw that you were doing the phrase that is my favorite of the ones SIlent One just gave for his contest. IS this one for the contest? IF it were shortened up, it would be ideal for it. GREAT job, Richard. You always practice what you preach. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 3:15:00 PM No, I didn't even know he was doing a contest, it is coincidence. Thanks for the visit. This poem created some good conversation with my wife who works in mental health. It was all around wether people really have a choice.

Constance La France Date: 3/23/2016 1:04:00 PM Rick, wow, this really touched me, such an emotional and powerful write, you are one amazing writer, and I am LOVING this 7 +++ ! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 3:01:00 PM Thanks Contance.:0)

Eileen Manassian Date: 3/23/2016 10:46:00 AM Superb, Richard. I'm always amazed at your grasp of human nature. I felt that when I read your book. How wonderful to be nourished by friends who care. Hugs Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 3:02:00 PM That means a lot to me Eileen. Thanks for saying so. Hugs Rick.

Tim Smith Date: 3/23/2016 8:57:00 AM Very good write Richard. It parallels the heroine epidemic happening in suburbia in the US. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 3:03:00 PM Thanks Tim. Much appreciated.

Brian Baumgarn Date: 3/23/2016 3:49:00 AM Wonderful, compelling write. We can be addicted to just about anything. In recovery, I have my God relationship and a set of precepts to do. Still, if I get off track there I can have a "slip" without ever taking a drop into my mouth. Very good poem for reflection and determination! How have ya been, Richard? Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 8:27:00 AM Hi Brian, I have been well. I'm doing a fair bit of travel with my new job, so I haven't had as much time to post and visit. I hope you are well my friend. Thanks for the visit.

Jai Bankson Date: 3/23/2016 2:43:00 AM You know how I felt about the original You took something great and made it amazing. Love the re:write even more! Leave it to you to perfect perfection. Login to Reply Jai Bankson Date: 4/8/2016 1:36:00 AM Had to come back for another read,glad you got something from the Habit but that just keeps getting better and better.Take care! Justin Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 8:28:00 AM Thanks for the inspiration and kind comment Jai.

Paul Callus Date: 3/22/2016 6:02:00 PM Excellent, Richard! There is a way out for those who are ready to accept help. I have witnessed this kind of transformation with my own eyes. ~ Regards // paul Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 1:11:00 AM Being a witness adds to ones faith. Thanks for commenting.

Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 3/22/2016 1:49:00 PM - "Anything is possible" .... but requires courage and strength - A wonderful poem, Richard - I wish you a lovely Easter - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 1:11:00 AM Thanks Anne Lise. Hugs Rick.

Mama Bear Date: 3/22/2016 11:51:00 AM What a way to describe addiction. Drugs are not the only addiction that we face and this brings it all to light. Well done Love Mom Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/23/2016 1:13:00 AM In one way or another we all have our own addictions. I love you too mom.

Michael Tor Date: 3/22/2016 10:16:00 AM Richard cleverly done full of hope, will read the Habit. Thank you for sharing. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2016 10:18:00 AM My pleasure Michael.

Casarah Nance Date: 3/22/2016 9:53:00 AM again another awesome write and a new person we are introduced to through your poetry. hugs xxx Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2016 9:57:00 AM Thanks again Casarah. I hope you check out his poems. Hugs Rick.

Daniel Turner Date: 3/22/2016 9:00:00 AM From underachieving negative loser to a positive productive healthy mind. Correct? Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2016 9:23:00 AM So sorry, the change didn't update. Have another look.

Daniel Turner Date: 3/22/2016 8:45:00 AM This certainly is a unique way of describing one's muse. It most definitely makes you want to finish and find out the ending. Very original, Richard. I like things out of the box:) Peace my friend:):) Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2016 8:56:00 AM Thanks Daniel, have another look. I made changes to the last part of the piece.

Brian Davey Date: 3/22/2016 1:46:00 AM Wow that is some strong imagery there and a very deep piece my friend. The addictive nature in us humans definitely is one of our biggest downfalls as a species. Great write and I will check out the poem that inspired you to write this. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2016 8:57:00 AM Thanks Brian, much appreciated. Have another look, I changed the latter part of the piece.