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The Smile

For a second there I saw you smiling I must admit I am wondering why Things you've gone through are so appalling They break my heart and make me want to cry Yes you see my choreographed smile it’s there to hide, what’s buried deep inside. My heart’s shattered like a porcelain tile Within me I feel the sharp shards collide I see emotions leaking from your eyes Speak your demons discover your healing Dismiss false words and other people’s lies Validate all the things you are feeling I have come to grips with my own mistakes From the demons I have found some relief Sadness permeates me my body shakes In time good will come that is my belief I can see now how your smile meets your eyes Doors have opened beyond a life of pain Your true potential you now realize All things within reach freedom once again I feel I was given a second chance Although I miss those I’ve lost on life’s way I choose not to live my life in a trance Innocence reclaimed I’ve learned how to play By: Brenda Chiri & Richard Lamoureux Thanks Brenda for collaborating with me on this piece. It was a pleasure writing with you.

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Eileen Manassian

Date: 4/4/2020 5:27:00 PM

Interesting collab. That ending stanza is a good finish. Hope you're well. Blessings

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 4/4/2020 5:55:00 PM

Thanks, hugs Rick.

Deborah Cromer

Date: 2/9/2019 2:55:00 AM

This poem, this piece of work, this art, is a fine piece of reading. I have seen many poems on this site and I like this one very much! Congratulations to both of you. I love good poetry.

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 6/21/2018 11:47:00 AM

We go through pain, loss, ignorance, wrong.. we hurt and get hurt.. but the most important thing is that through this journey we get to know our innermost and get reconciled with ourselves and be healed.. "The Smile" is the incarnation of a soul that has far away overcome denial to embrace inner peace, contentment and healing. A thought provoking piece of art. An amazing collaboration! A great joy to read, stay blessed Richard.

Marquis Mc Mills-Cooper

Date: 5/6/2018 1:03:00 AM

Another beautiful collaboration here, this time Brenda and Rick. I've written about a smile a few times in poems, though you folks came at it using a different approach which makes this poem very interesting and thought provoking. Good work here! MC

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 4/20/2018 11:32:00 AM

Hello Richard, you and Brenda did a great write on this poem. I have read this poem 3 times. By the way I made you follow the poet. Have a nice day my friend.

Akkina Downing

Date: 3/25/2018 7:05:00 PM

Fabulous collaboration! I really enjoyed the read :)

Paul Callus

Date: 3/7/2018 4:40:00 PM

I see that you already had the subject of this poem in mind, Richard, and Brenda followed suit. Life and love can deal people complicated cards; luckily with faith and strength of character one is able to rise and build anew. Well done to both collaborators! Regards // paul

Fj Thomas

Date: 3/4/2018 6:54:00 PM

Rick I don't know what's happening to my comments; I'm noticing that they've disappeared from a particular day I had left several. You and Brenda did this so beautifully; it flows seamlessly.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 3/1/2018 8:11:00 PM

Rick, Brenda and yourself, you have written an excellent Collaboration. A deep write from you both, written as one pen which is not always easy to do. This poem sings so gently to me. Congratulations to you both on a wonderful write. Your friend always....Mike.

Chris Hagy

Date: 3/1/2018 5:01:00 PM

Great collaboration write with Brenda :) The past is always there, but that's what makes some of us smile...knowing we have survived it :) Have great day :)

Cecilia Macfarlane

Date: 2/27/2018 5:24:00 PM

An excellent collaboration Richard and Brenda. Your write touched me deep inside, for it describes my life at this moment. Hugs

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/27/2018 6:27:00 PM

Thanks Cecilia, so nice to have you visit.

Melissa Tracy

Date: 2/26/2018 9:54:00 AM

Beautifully penned...enjoyable read...best wishes to you both :)

Maria Williams

Date: 2/19/2018 12:17:00 AM

What a great collaboration Richard and Brenda Well done....Maria

Susan Gentry

Date: 2/18/2018 11:56:00 PM

A very emotional read for me, very well done. Two wrote as one.

Old Buck

Date: 2/18/2018 2:07:00 PM

Richard: Someone has said: Two heads are better than one. Maybe this is what they were talking about. :o) Well Done. Keep them coming and thank you for sharing them with all of us on the soup. oldbuck

Judith S

Date: 2/18/2018 12:39:00 PM

What a beautiful collaboration Richard! So many of us walk around with masks. Choreographed smiles .... Very well done!

Viv Wigley

Date: 2/18/2018 12:59:00 AM

A wonderful collaboration, and I love the optimism popping like a cork at the end. Excellent. regards, Viv

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/18/2018 9:01:00 AM

Thanks Viv.

Susan Ashley

Date: 2/17/2018 10:40:00 AM

Richard, a beautiful emotional give-and-take duet of your poetic voices that blend seamlessly and compliment each other wondrously. A deep, stirring and poignant collaboration with Brenda that is spiced with the flavor of friendship and hope. Awesome! Warmest wishes my friend. ~Susan

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/18/2018 9:02:00 AM

What a thoughtful comment, thanks Susan.

Alexis Y.

Date: 2/16/2018 11:38:00 AM

Hi Richard, I agree with the others below, you and Brenda have penned an emotional piece that speaks to the soul. It was nice to the change of heart and positivity. Excellent job. This write straight into my favs:-)Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/16/2018 11:59:00 AM

Thanks Alexis, that is sweet and appreciated.

Faraz Ajmal

Date: 2/16/2018 9:10:00 AM

A very nice and emotional piece, both of you are really nice and experience poets so it s no wonder why it s so nice, it s really deep and I really enjoyed reading it, good luck

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/16/2018 9:20:00 AM

Thanks Faraz.

Rhoda Tripp

Date: 2/16/2018 1:33:00 AM

Rick, Brenda...such an emotional write from a wonderful duet of poets. I'm enthralled. Beautifully done.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/16/2018 8:44:00 AM

Thanks Rhoda.

Line Gauthier

Date: 2/15/2018 10:12:00 PM

What an awesome piece of significant proportions. It is deep and speaks to the soul. We can all relate to relationships that got complicated and ugly yet life goes on. I am FAV'ing this beauty.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 2/16/2018 8:45:00 AM

Thanks Line.