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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

Date: 11/26/2023 6:51:00 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
Date: 11/30/2023 6:07:00 PM

Yes It is part of my story. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your compassion.

Valsa George

Date: 11/26/2023 3:37:00 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
Date: 11/30/2023 6:08:00 PM

Thanks Valsa. I am a big kid now. I enjoy being playful.

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 11/25/2023 4:55:00 PM

So sad, Richard. It's so great that children can grow up and change their circumstances. Blessings.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/30/2023 6:09:00 PM

Blessings to you as well.

Marikate Kingston

Date: 11/19/2023 7:30:00 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
Date: 11/30/2023 6:10:00 PM

Thanks so much. I love this response.

Eileen Manassian

Date: 11/18/2023 2:37:00 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
Date: 11/18/2023 11:25:00 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

Date: 11/16/2023 11:13:00 PM

Lonely, O so lonely, Richard. Back in the day, we used to call them 'townies.' You have nailed the description. ~ Gershon

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/17/2023 7:06:00 AM

Thanks for reading Gershon.

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 11/16/2023 6:53:00 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
Date: 11/16/2023 6:56:00 PM

Thanks for taking time to read and comment.

Charles Messina

Date: 11/15/2023 2:58:00 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
Date: 11/15/2023 5:21:00 AM

Thanks for commenting. Unfortunately this only scratches the surface. Thankfully My story has a happy ending.

Tom Woody

Date: 11/13/2023 6:48:00 AM

My wife's first husband was like that, asking his two year old to fetch daddy a beer. So sad. Poignant piece Rick

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/13/2023 7:02:00 AM

Thanks for giving it a read Tom.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 11/12/2023 10:10:00 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
Date: 11/13/2023 6:35:00 AM

Thanks Andrea. Now that I’m grown I’m a big kid. Thanks for reading.

Ink Empress

Date: 11/12/2023 2:26:00 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
Date: 11/12/2023 6:32:00 AM

Thanks for the light and taking time to read and comment.

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 11/11/2023 2:06:00 PM

Your poem brought sadness to my heart, Richard. The poor young man didn't really have a chance to be a boy. Shame on his father for robbing him of his boyhood. Well done, Richard! I appreciate your words and creativity. Have a pleasant evening, Sara

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/11/2023 3:32:00 PM

Thanks Sarah. I hope you are having a good weekend.