Richard Lamoureux Poet Free verse

Tolerance

The word
The idea
The wall that separates
Disguised in honorable robes
Preached to children
"Tolerance" 

Am I to be tolerated?
Just because I am different
Black, white, brown or yellow
Straight or gay
Muslim
A Jew 
Perhaps I am Christian
I am painted with many brushes
A part of humanity's inconsistancies

When you tolerate 
You hold yourself in high esteem
Above 
Not beside
You grace me with your temporary favor
You disguise me with your perceptions
You make me a little less distasteful
For a moment
Perhaps a day
You feel proud for not looking away

I do not seek tolerance 
Like you I wish to be valued
Included
Understood
To be seen in loving ways
Maybe not today
Perhaps tomorrow
Labels Will disappear with all our sorrow
For me I am you
I am the many and the few
Waiting for my turn
Will this be my day
To be heard and have a say
For me
Tolerance
Is
Intolerable

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Michelo Mweetwa October 19, 2019 at 10:44 PM People's need to be tolerated, is the first truthful reality we encounter but tramp it down like grass, as though it does not matter. It actually matters and shapes the rest of our relationships. In a multi lingual society like mine, I make it a habit to greet friends in their mother tongue, even in a broken way, that could be as many as 5 languages in a day. it's magical, it instantly build trust. Nice poem!!!! Richard Lamoureux October 19, 2019 at 11:01 PM Would you sooner be tolerated or accepted? When someone is tolerated it means they are distasteful to the other person. I find that very sad. I think it is good you see others in loving ways. Language is essential.

Freddie Robinson Jr. December 6, 2016 at 12:43 PM Very powerful and truthful poem, Richard. It blew me away w/ the last lines. The truth displayed in this gem of a poem is beautiful. Great poem, and a great lesson in what humanity really means. Love you, brother. Richard Lamoureux December 6, 2016 at 12:48 PM Love back to you my poetic brother.

Funom Makama February 3, 2016 at 10:42 AM Well said and craftily illustrated. A wonderful presentation of this wonderful site. Thumbs up and a definite 7

Lewis Nyaga June 10, 2015 at 9:36 AM Richard... this is really a great and well thought out poem, which makes me re-examine myself and how i choose to respond to others and situations... Like everyone else i want to be Cherished, valued and adored...***Tolerated i feel demeaned and devalued..thanks for sharing this one///BLESSINGS Richard Lamoureux June 10, 2015 at 4:38 PM Thanks Lewis, blessings to you as well.

Paul Callus July 6, 2014 at 12:00 PM You sure managed to make your point here Richard, apart from the fact that you got a healthy discussion going on! Well done. [congrats on the viewership!] // paul Richard Lamoureux July 6, 2014 at 12:07 PM Thanks Paul, I appreciate you taking the time to read them both. I thoroughly enjoyed your poem Paul.

Lucilla Carrillo June 9, 2014 at 10:21 AM This is good Richard. I'm glad that I read it. To me being tolerated is not good enough, being accepted is better. Have you read my poem. Color Me. It is on page 3. Thanks for sharing... Lucilla Richard Lamoureux June 9, 2014 at 10:25 AM On my way, thanks for reading this one as well.

Tim Ryerson January 11, 2014 at 9:23 AM Ah yes Richard, a true lesson-of-life gem, delivered with style, wisdom and insight...This is a poem that all of us need to read again and again... Richard Lamoureux January 11, 2014 at 9:26 AM Thanks Tim, I am pleased that it resonated with you.

Dr.Ram Mehta January 11, 2014 at 12:07 AM Enjoyed the write and congratulations on the win, Richard Richard Lamoureux January 11, 2014 at 7:21 AM Thanks Dr Ram

Poet Destroyer A January 10, 2014 at 11:22 PM Congratulations Richard, ... If you'd like take a trip to my blog ----> http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_blogs/blog_detail.aspx?BlogID=18527&PoetID=18720 <---- enjoy if you'd like... love Always & Forever <3 LINDA <3 Richard Lamoureux January 11, 2014 at 7:22 AM Thanks for choosing my poem Linda.

Monterey Sirak January 10, 2014 at 9:25 AM You're right, this is an important message. We are supposed to love each other and embrace our differences which make us each unique and beautiful. To feel you are only being tolerated is demeaning. Richard Lamoureux January 10, 2014 at 9:46 AM For me I find people who are different than my self are the most fun to be with. I love people who march to the beat of their own Acordian.

Roger Horsch January 8, 2014 at 2:32 PM I love Linda as a good friend Richard, but you do not need her popularity for more people to read it. Your popularity is more than enough. Keep on writing them my friend.....Roger Richard Lamoureux January 8, 2014 at 2:36 PM Thanks again Roger, you have made my day with all your uplifting comments.

Donna Jones January 7, 2014 at 7:13 PM Hey Richard.....awesome poem....like everyone else...you really opened my eyes about this word ...like jack...I'd never really stopped to think about it when I used it....and like Leo I believe acceptance is a good word or Joyce's word love to use in its place...nice job Richard... Richard Lamoureux January 8, 2014 at 2:35 PM Both would be excellent. Thanks Donna you are a sweetheart, you always make me smile with you visits.

Sara Kendrick January 7, 2014 at 4:36 AM Enjoyed reading your work..Differences sets us apart like two bird species...Looking out my window, I enjoy seeing the different species and their personalities but I've noticed that they mostly remain faithful to their species..We as humans are unique, one of a kind, and an awesome spiritual being recognized by God in our differences..Thanks for stopping by..I saw Bubble Lights this year in a catalogue which sales old or antique items..Sara Richard Lamoureux January 7, 2014 at 7:21 AM My parents used to have the largest collection of antique christmas ornaments in Canada. They wew collectors so that is how I got to see them. My step dad passed away a few years ago and most of them have now been sold. They also sold new mouth blown ornaments of which my mom has given us hundreds. I have enough for several trees. It makes Christmas special.

Syam Madappattu January 6, 2014 at 7:42 PM Really a mind opener.There is something real flash of perception Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 7:44 PM Thanks Syam

Jack Jordan January 6, 2014 at 6:38 PM Wow! I confess I never thought of tolerance in this way, but I see that you are right. The implications, really, are negative. Thanks... Jack Added this to faves Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 7:07 PM Thanks Jack, I am honored.

Cherl Dunn January 6, 2014 at 6:32 PM i well written write and in it's lines there is an honest truth how can the world get better if we don't let go of the intolerance and ignorance that sourrds us everyday i see it and hear it. i wish i could just silence it. cheri and thanks for the congrads on my win Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 6:36 PM You are most welcome, I appreciate you stopping by to visit.

Shadow Hamilton January 6, 2014 at 3:56 PM a very sage write Rick tolerance is often not good as shown in your excellent poem Shadow x smile hug Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 3:57 PM Thanks Shadow. I'm pleased you like it.

Charmaine Chircop January 6, 2014 at 10:41 AM So much wisdom in your words.You warm my heart Richard. Re your questio.-I have only one baby girl one yr four months old..after ten yrs of marriage ..I feel blessed: ) Charmaine Chircop January 7, 2014 at 5:59 PM I had my baby girl age 35.. Marred age 25.. and my baby is one year four mnths old : )..Im an old mommy 37 in May B-) Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 12:36 PM Blessed indeed, I am happy for you. Did you marry when you were 19?

Leo Larry Amadore January 6, 2014 at 9:49 AM You have given us a perceptive and valuable homily, one not easily nor popularly expressed...."tolerance" seems always to emphasize separateness, difference from the "norm", an attitude of "although you are not me and have different values, behaviors, morals, etc., I will put up with you"....much better indeed to emphasize ACCEPTANCE in a non-judgmental manner.... Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 9:59 AM Thanks for adding to the perspective.

Poet Tacito January 6, 2014 at 8:09 AM So much harsh truth & wisdom here. Ultimate message here: "Do unto others" Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 8:12 AM So true.

Joyce Johnson January 5, 2014 at 9:37 PM I am sure I am guilty of using that word without stopping to think about it. If we could all just substitute the word love in its place. Love, Joyce Richard Lamoureux January 5, 2014 at 10:08 PM I think that is an excellent choice Joyce.

Debbie Guzzi January 5, 2014 at 6:26 PM The last verse has a nice punch, but as long as man feels the need to 'name' I'm afraid there will be both good and bad names? {Not sure I made any sense?] Light & Love Richard Lamoureux January 5, 2014 at 6:45 PM Perhaps it is Debbie Guzzi January 5, 2014 at 6:27 PM maybe tolerance is the fulcrum between hate & love?

Andrea Dietrich January 5, 2014 at 12:53 PM wow, Richard what a fresh way to discuss tolerance. Don't think I saw one like this before. VERY good. Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 7:48 AM Thanks Andrea, it has more to do with people's attitude then the word itself.

David Williams January 5, 2014 at 12:43 PM Richard a very good example of utopia, labels are the big thing to drag people down….David Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 7:49 AM That is so true. Thanks for commenting.

Ken Carroll January 5, 2014 at 11:22 AM Some good stuff here..Nice write.. Ken Richard Lamoureux January 6, 2014 at 7:50 AM Thanks Ken.

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