Richard Lamoureux Poet Free verse

Town Kid

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....

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Kim Rodrigues November 26, 2023 at 6:51 AM Wow! This touches the heart of a kid whose life is less than perfect, perfectly out of balance with the picture perfect life of some. I am guessing this is directly about you. Thank you for sharing this. Richard Lamoureux November 30, 2023 at 6:07 PM Yes It is part of my story. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your compassion.

Valsa George November 26, 2023 at 3:37 AM Childhood is the time to play. At a young age, if children are made to take up small jobs without any free time, it is really sad. A poignant piece, Richard. Richard Lamoureux November 30, 2023 at 6:08 PM Thanks Valsa. I am a big kid now. I enjoy being playful.

Evelyn Judy Buehler November 25, 2023 at 4:55 PM So sad, Richard. It's so great that children can grow up and change their circumstances. Blessings. Richard Lamoureux November 30, 2023 at 6:09 PM Blessings to you as well.

Marikate Kingston November 19, 2023 at 7:30 PM So sad. Damn the drink. Children can suffer and sink, or become grown ups who can talently write, removing themselves from their childhood plight. My father enjoyed the drink too, and would say often " Friends are only for good time Charlies, Marikate" I didn't listen. You're very talented Richard and I always enjoy your poetry. Richard Lamoureux November 30, 2023 at 6:10 PM Thanks so much. I love this response.

Eileen Manassian November 18, 2023 at 2:37 AM Big hugs to you, Richard. My heart aches for that little boy. My heart rejoices for the person you are today...a caring, conscientious man. I'm not in Facebook much. I'll comment on your poems here if you post. Richard Lamoureux November 18, 2023 at 11:25 AM Thanks, I posted here more than in 2022. There’s some you might like. I appreciate the visit and kind words. Hugs Rick.

Gershon Wolf November 16, 2023 at 11:13 PM Lonely, O so lonely, Richard. Back in the day, we used to call them 'townies.' You have nailed the description. ~ Gershon Richard Lamoureux November 17, 2023 at 7:06 AM Thanks for reading Gershon.

Hilda Greenhough November 16, 2023 at 6:53 PM This was a very informative, but also very sad poem. When we hear one of these stories, we know there are thousands more unwritten ones.Thank you for bringing attention to child abuse. Richard Lamoureux November 16, 2023 at 6:56 PM Thanks for taking time to read and comment.

Charles Messina November 15, 2023 at 2:58 AM Geez, the sad thing is that there are probably more under-teen tenders than we know. I cringed when some of my "begone" friends have actually had the gall to do that exact thing. A touching write, Rick. Hope it wasn't true with you, my friend. Hope all is well. Charlie Richard Lamoureux November 15, 2023 at 5:21 AM Thanks for commenting. Unfortunately this only scratches the surface. Thankfully My story has a happy ending.

Andrea Dietrich November 12, 2023 at 10:10 AM Such a sad one. . so interesting how you call yourself a bartender to soften the reality of being a neglected child living with another's alcoholism. This is very well written, Richard Richard Lamoureux November 13, 2023 at 6:35 AM Thanks Andrea. Now that I’m grown I’m a big kid. Thanks for reading.

Ink Empress November 12, 2023 at 2:26 AM This made me sad, and made think and feel so much for those children having to grow up way beyond their age, and in this case how you’ve said , had to be a bartender when all this nine year old wanted to do was be like other kids, play and live, so sad! Very touching poem. Loved reading this . And felt every line strongly. Sending you light always Richard Lamoureux November 12, 2023 at 6:32 AM Thanks for the light and taking time to read and comment.