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Town Kid

I am a town kid A white faced kid A lonely kid Face pressed up against the glass Watching, listening to other kids playing Knowing my shoes and clothes are safe No grass stains on my pants No puddles to make mud pies My eyes envy the sky My heart follows the laughter My soul feels dry Just a sad little guy With my face pressed against the glass as another summer slips past. Later I have a job to do Daddy won’t let me go out today I always have to do things his way “Pour me another drink Ricky!” I comply saying “Okay.” I’m a nine year old bartender, who just wants to go out and play. Maybe I’m not really a town kid, but I am a white faced kid and a lonely kid.... “Story from your childhood” contest. Sponsor: L Milton Hankins Sorry it’s not a happy one.

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Debra Squyres

Date: 10/14/2019 8:20:00 PM

Such a sad poem.. poor little one. I think you captured the child’s mind well in this.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/15/2019 7:09:00 AM

Thanks Debra. ;0)

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/9/2019 9:25:00 AM

I understand where you are coming from, born and bred country, in the Yorkshire Dales where the moors were our playground, one went to play in the morning and arrived home at night when hungry. The poetry though is informative, and well structured. Just like to thank you for my placing in your contest Richard, I've have noticed, on many occasion when reading your poetry, how our mindset are similar. finally potd, after 8 years, again thanks for highlighting it as a contest winner. Harry.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/10/2019 11:24:00 PM

You have had top billing on my last two contest. A tribute to your talent Harry.

Darlene De Beaulieu

Date: 9/22/2019 6:19:00 PM

Hello Richard, a sad poem, because the father won't let you go outside. All boys should play outside. Have a nice devening my friend.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/22/2019 7:50:00 PM

Thanks Darlene. Hugs Rick.

Vegter Papyrus

Date: 9/21/2019 10:06:00 AM

A slow tug on emotional strings. I'm speechless. Hard hitting and well written. Love the set up and the impacting finale.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/21/2019 10:08:00 AM

Thanks brother. Just an old memory bubbling up.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 9/18/2019 8:20:00 AM

So touching a write, Richard, it tugs the heart. You speak of many such kids..so much emotion in your splendid words..what does that kid have to look forward to?

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/18/2019 8:40:00 AM

Hi Vijay. I had and have much to look forward to. Thanks for your visit.

Alkas Poetry

Date: 9/18/2019 2:40:00 AM

Children were meant to be children, study and play, not to be parent's workers... salute alkas

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/18/2019 7:42:00 AM

I agree Alkas.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 9/15/2019 4:03:00 PM

This tugged at my heart so...I feel for Ricky. Very emotional write. Good luck in the contest. By the way... there are 3 or so birthday greetings you haven't seen yet. ;)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/15/2019 5:46:00 PM

Thanks Eileen, k was over and responded. ;0)

Anna Hopper

Date: 9/15/2019 9:17:00 AM

Well done! Best of luck!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/15/2019 5:46:00 PM

Thanks Anna.

Silent One

Date: 9/15/2019 9:01:00 AM

I can relate to part of this, but my daddy was never there to not let me out... great emotive poetry...

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/15/2019 5:48:00 PM

Thanks, sorry to hear that. It’s also difficult in a different and I am sure a no less painful way. Blessings Richard.

Judy Ball

Date: 9/14/2019 12:55:00 PM

What a poignant piece this is. It's an old story that keeps repeating itself. Some mothers are just over protective and want the children to stay clean and safe from injury so they take away their childhood by keeping them indoors. Some parents are addicts who make their kids grow up too fast. Either way it's wrong. Great job here my friend. God Bless, JB

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/14/2019 1:09:00 PM

Thanks Judy, blessings to you as well.

Rhona Mcferran

Date: 9/13/2019 7:13:00 PM

This is really poignant... brilliantly penned! Great work, my friend!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/13/2019 7:32:00 PM

Thanks again Rhona.

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/13/2019 8:30:00 AM

This reminds me of my ex-husband - he was a 9 year old bartender, only for his mother. She died when he was 9 too - from drinking. Your poem brought back memories and it is such a awesome write. I know it will do well in the contest - Blessings

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/13/2019 8:40:00 AM

Thanks Regina, so sorry for your ex-husband. I hope he has experienced healing. That would be hard to lose a parent so young. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my poem.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 9/12/2019 8:41:00 PM

Wow! A great read, Richard! I feel for this kid!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/13/2019 8:41:00 AM

Thanks Kim. :0)

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/12/2019 6:33:00 PM

wow, Richard. I LOVE this, it is so original , your take on the challenge. I would give this a top ranking!!!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 6:41:00 PM

Thanks Andrea, I’m pleased you like it.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 9/12/2019 11:36:00 AM

What a shame you had to become an adult when you were still a child. I love the name Ricky, it is my son's name also! Hugs and blessings, jennifer.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 6:43:00 PM

I still have an uncle who calls me Ricky. Thanks for the visit hug and blessings Jennifer.

Ann Foster

Date: 9/12/2019 11:18:00 AM

So heartbreaking. I want to be angry, yet I know what it is like to surrender to a fate, you have no control over. Angry can wait. Freedom will come. Crazy adults jumping from planes, climbing mountains and paragliding and they (the ones that played as kids) wonder why? lol.. we know. Excellent write. Do more! Keep doing it... Ann

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 6:46:00 PM

Yes we do. My son says I have a lot of kid in me. I guess I’m enjoying my second childhood early. ;0)

Brenda Chiri

Date: 9/12/2019 11:00:00 AM

So sad Rick not being able to go play but having to pour drink for "dad"! Loved how you wrote it though! ;)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 11:01:00 AM

Thanks Brenda, hugs Rick.

Frances Byrne

Date: 9/11/2019 4:49:00 PM

Hi Richard, Heartbreaking, Frances

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 8:33:00 AM

Thanks for your visit Frances.

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 9/11/2019 2:57:00 PM

How sad this little boy wasn't allowed to go outside and play with other children. It's truly a lonely life he endures. My cousin Ted wasn't allowed to play outside with others and he used the time to develop his artistic (painting) skills. If your life was like that of the little boy in your poem, maybe it helped you grow as a writer. Excellent verse, Richard!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 8:34:00 AM

What a thoughtful response Carolyn. I have no regrets. Since leaving home at 17 life has been great.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 9/11/2019 2:56:00 PM

A nine-year-old bartender. So well done! This should be in the winner's circle holding a golden trophy, and there should be a garland of bluebells and violets around its neck!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 6:47:00 PM

You are kind Caren. Hugs Rick.

Alexis Y.

Date: 9/11/2019 12:58:00 PM

Wow! Richard, You have penned a sad yet touching write. My heart goes out to the poor kid who didn't get a chance to live be or belong, because his was sick and needed help. Alcoholism is real and it affects the whole family. You expressed that fact very well in this write. This write should do well in the contest. I wish you the best of luck in the contest. Have a fantastic day - Alexis

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/12/2019 6:48:00 PM

A very thoughtful response, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Timothy Mcguire

Date: 9/11/2019 10:41:00 AM

Very good Richard, well written!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/11/2019 11:20:00 AM

Thanks Timothy, I like that you took yours in a different direction as well.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 9/10/2019 7:48:00 PM

So well-written and sad, Richard. Parents who treat their kids like this should be--well, I'll stop here. Janice

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/11/2019 12:00:00 PM

I know what you mean. Hugs Rick.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 9/10/2019 4:10:00 PM

Nice touch, Richard: You've made my heart ache for this poor kid. Great job of creating a character with whom the reader will identify with. ~ gw

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/11/2019 12:00:00 PM

Thanks Gershon. :0)

Hello There

Date: 9/10/2019 2:27:00 PM

Everyone's got their own book of sorrows, but it should not begin at such a young age... Beautifully expressed piece, Rick. Good luck in the contest!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 9/11/2019 11:21:00 AM

Well said, thanks for a thoughtful comment.