Richard Lamoureux Poet Quatrain

Too Many Poppies

Too Many Poppies  

I don’t want a poppy
I don’t want a shield
I don’t want to visit
Rows in Flanders Fields

Another young person 
Yes a young soldier fell
They laid down their life 
What story does it tell

Off to another war
In a far off land
Beaches in Normandy
Blood spilled on the sand

I don’t want a poppy
I don’t want a shield
I don’t want to visit
Rows in Flanders Fields

My heart can’t take it
Fathers, sisters and sons
Why do we choose to sacrifice 
Precious innocent ones

Are guns the answer
Where does it all lead
Poppies upon rows
As young soldiers bleed

I don’t want a Poppy
I don’t want a shield
Fighting old men’s battles
Just leads to Flanders Fields

Soldier’s Response

I’ll do my best to defend 
this land that I love. 
I’ll risk meeting the angels 
in heaven above. 

Raising  our flag of glory 
I will gladly do
Even if they take me down 
I'll hold it brave and true. 

Canada my country 
I'll stand by her and fight. 
I'll take on its enemies 
with all my strength and might. 

No matter where I’m sent
I'll proudly make my stand. 
To protect my home 
Its people and land.

Your picture I hold
Close to my heart
Gives me my strength 
When we are apart

Loved ones left at home
Won’t hear our battle cry
Their prayers are the hope
On which our spirits fly

If we don’t make it
Back to our home
Our sacrifice is our gift
In a field marked by a stone

Response to Soldiers 

To all of our Soldiers 
Who cannot be heard
Your actions and sacrifice 
Are the final word 

We wear our poppies 
Hold our collective breaths
Some questions only answered
By actions and death.

A co-written piece by: Richard Lamoureux and Mark Wayne Shifflet. It was a pleasure to write with Mark. 

We wished to point out the absurdity of men resorting to war while still honouring the men and women who so gallantly put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom.

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Marikate Kingston December 7, 2023 at 5:58 PM Richard, such a moving poem honoring with such respect those who fought for our freedoms we still take for granted; visiting our place of worship, shopping, voting, attending our school of choice. I always thank a vet when I see their baseball shaped hat with the word 'vet' on top. My uncle was a green beret & a V.Nam double amputee. Therefore this poem was moving and relatable to me and one I'm glad to have found. Richard Lamoureux December 7, 2023 at 8:15 PM Thanks for this heartfelt response. There is a video of my poem on Utube. It is very impactful. If you have time check it out.

Joe Maverick August 30, 2023 at 8:59 PM The same thoughts run through my mind And i'd guess billions of minds, human Insecurity and power lust, are part of it all Richard, and the nations that armed and equipped all such people, are removing many Basic freedoms, ( hey but there is a reason?) Just like before ' so have a good war' ???????? Richard Lamoureux December 7, 2023 at 7:16 PM If economies are failing have a war, destroy everything and make a profit selling weapons. Then the economy booms when you rebuild. It’s all greed and power. The poor families kids fight the wars,

Joe Maverick August 30, 2023 at 8:59 PM The same thoughts run through my mind And i'd guess billions of minds, human Insecurity and power lust, are part of it all Richard, and the nations that armed and equipped all such people, are removing many Basic freedoms, ( hey but there is a reason?) Just like before ' so have a good war' ????????

Perry Campanella August 15, 2023 at 6:55 AM Hello, Richard - First no one understands your reminding words better then me - fore I have been there and back, to lose a comrade in a battle in a far land is heart breaking - to visit many in their final resting place is so very sad indeed - touched by your words I pray now - Thank You - stay safe too! X solider Perry C. Richard Lamoureux August 15, 2023 at 7:01 AM It was worthwhile writing this piece to receive this one comment. Thanks for reading and reaching out. Blessings Richard. If you go on Utube there is a video of this piece.

The Situation July 29, 2023 at 2:09 PM Last year i see... An old name I remember from my poetic past. better catch him before he goes off line. I too got burned out. But It's back. I'm writing again as I hope you are too. This piece will be one of the best I've seen in a while. Glad to see you back. Richard Lamoureux August 15, 2023 at 7:03 AM What a nice thing to say. Sorry I am just reading this now. I’ve been posting a lot on Facebook the last few years.

Anil Deo April 1, 2023 at 2:35 AM Balanced and well crafted " antiwar poem," as your notes - thanks, too, Poet Mark Shifflet - outline. I needed this quality poem for my spirit today. Shalom shalom ( does Canada have even one enemy?) Richard Lamoureux April 1, 2023 at 8:09 AM Thanks for commenting. I don’t think China likes us very much. They kidnapped two of our people. For the most part I think we are well considered around the world. We are a very multicultural society.

Aysha Nuwas February 21, 2023 at 7:40 PM This gave me goose bumps, love this poem. Richard Lamoureux April 1, 2023 at 8:09 AM Thanks so much.

Jeff Connelly February 1, 2023 at 12:20 PM I don't know where you are right now Richard, but I'm reading this and remembering when you and I used to read and comment on each others poems. This poem truly touches me... My Dad, a hardened military man, used to call my Mum "mother" lol... So much thanks for everything, and this poem, Richard... Hugs... Richard Lamoureux February 1, 2023 at 1:50 PM Hi Jeff, these days I’m spending more time on Facebook. Thanks for commenting and for your thoughtful reaction.

Bj Legros Kelley January 25, 2023 at 8:08 PM Incredible, FAVE, oh my goodness. My middle name is Jo, after my dad's cousin Joe who died in WWII. I am forever grateful to him, and all those who battle for precious innocent lives persecuted under murderous madmen, and the freedoms we should all never take for granted in the free world. I love what Elizabeth McCann wrote, that would be wonderful. Richard Lamoureux February 1, 2023 at 1:51 PM Very touching reaction.

David Smith January 24, 2023 at 11:35 PM Well written piece that challenges us all as good poetry should. Life still hangs on by a thread in many places, all we can do is hope each reset brings us further towards enlightenment on subject. Best regards and wishes for you and your family in 2023. David in nz Richard Lamoureux February 1, 2023 at 1:51 PM Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

Beata Agustin January 19, 2023 at 9:29 PM Thanks for sharing this. Meanwhile, by God's grace, I greet you with the peace and joy from the Lord toward a prosperous New Year 2023 along this present: "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23 of the King James Bible). God bless you. Richard Lamoureux February 1, 2023 at 1:52 PM Thanks so much.

Line Gauthier December 25, 2022 at 4:21 PM Wow ~ powerful message adn beautifully penned. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones ~ Richard Lamoureux February 1, 2023 at 1:52 PM Thanks so much.

Suzette Richards December 19, 2022 at 9:49 AM The YouTube is well done. Just one observation, If I may? The title here on PS does not correspond to the title with the read piece. Yes, peace has always alluded us. Kind regards and season's greetings to you and yours. Suzette:)) Suzette Richards December 19, 2022 at 11:45 PM You are welcome:)) Richard Lamoureux December 19, 2022 at 5:14 PM Thanks for checking it out. Hugs Rick.

Eileen Manassian December 10, 2022 at 2:44 AM You both did very well and reached your objective with this piece. Soldiers should be honoured. How I also wish there was a better way. Richard Lamoureux December 10, 2022 at 11:44 AM Thanks, it is pretty sad. Have you watched the Video for this one? If not check it out on UTube. Hugs Rick.

Joanna Daniel December 3, 2022 at 7:22 AM Very beautiful collab, Rick:) a nice tribute to all the fighting soldiers:) Richard Lamoureux December 3, 2022 at 10:59 AM Thanks Jo, I appreciate the comment and you taking time to read my poem.

Nancy Kaufman November 19, 2022 at 2:03 PM this is an amazing write. I really enjoyed the collaborative efforts of both authors. Take care Richard Richard Lamoureux December 2, 2022 at 7:22 AM Thanks so much for reading. If you Google my name on UTube, there is a video for this piece.

Tania Kitchin November 13, 2022 at 4:00 AM Richard, a powerfully penned collaboration, well done! What a wonderful world it would be if we all had peace and no more wars! Richard Lamoureux November 13, 2022 at 5:42 PM Amen to that. ;0)

Eve Roper November 11, 2022 at 7:41 AM Poppy for every fallen solider. So sad. Our Man and woman both stand for one thing is Love of family , love of country to fight for our lives and freedom. Great collaboration Richard. Many blessing my friend. Richard Lamoureux November 11, 2022 at 12:39 PM Thanks for such a thoughtful response.

Elizabeth Mccann November 10, 2022 at 11:51 PM Yes. What a good collaboration! If only we had a future tyrant detector and we could swat the pests before they swarm! Elizabeth Richard Lamoureux November 11, 2022 at 12:39 PM That would be good.