Richard Lamoureux Poet Narrative

Wonderfull William

I recognized you in an old photo
taken long before I knew you
You were among the ancient ones
The ones on whom you depended
You were brother, son, nephew 
and cherished grandchild

I recognized you by your quiet demeanour 
gazing with those watchful gentle eyes
I have witnessed that look many times
I am sorry I have not asked you more questions 
Too often I am too busy to make time
Please tell me stories about the ancient ones
the ones who laid your foundation
Tell me about your happy and your sad.
What did you dream about for your future?
Have your expectations been met?
What is your greatest joy?

Two photos, one of you, one of mom
a handsome man and pretty girl
Were they taken before you were one?
Your family knew you both so well
They gifted you a lifetime
they knew you would endure
Together you have traveled far
You have accomplished so much

Another photo of your VW Bug
The six of you with that seventies vibe
you were all accustomed to close spaces
You and mom were courageous adventurers
You moved to this strange new world
This big empty city with ghost-like streets
white unfamiliar faces
I can’t imagine how scary it must have been
the sound of voices you could not understand
In a country that was not always welcoming

How did you survive your lonely?
Hours and days working away from home
You persevered, knowing what was important
Family has always been your priority
You were not seduced by the unimportant things
You are a good man William
Slow to anger, gentle of spirit
You see with kind eyes
I appreciate your smile
I appreciate being part of your picture
Your gifts have been passed to your children
your children’s children and their children 
Your ripples have traveled far

There is another picture of us
We are standing on a staircase
Your children their spouses
and with children of their own
Without your breath
none of this would be possible
You and mom together 
are the heartbeat of our family
Your Ninety years have been well lived
Thanks for blessing us all
Thanks for being a good and faithful man
Happy 90th Birthday Dad
You are greatly loved!

By Richard Lamoureux 
Dedicated to my wife's dad for his 90th Birthday.

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Johnson Vdev November 30, 2019 at 10:18 AM Oh ....that's a respect you have given him on his 90 this birthday. Very descriptive. Great going. Richard Lamoureux November 30, 2019 at 10:27 AM Thanks Johnson. It has also been translated into Cantonese.

Vladislav Raven November 5, 2019 at 4:44 PM Hi Richard, this is an exceptional tribute write to your father-in-law. It comes straight from the depths of a loving heart. You bring this gentleman to life in such wonderful words. Sounds like a true gent, who knew what was truly important. A fav, Richard. Have a wonderful wednesday. Blessings....Mike. Richard Lamoureux November 6, 2019 at 9:34 AM He is, thanks Mike.

Jennifer Proxenos November 4, 2019 at 12:02 PM Wow Richard - what a wonderful write to your father-in-law. A kind, gentle, thankful write which was written from the depths of your heart. Families are so precious, if not for them, who would we be? I also am very thankful, as i made a delightful discovery during our move - I have posted a poem which I found written for me, and to me by my Grandfather, I was in awe that I discovered this file in one of my mother's cupboards which I emptied. A real treasure! Hugs and blessings, Jennifer. Richard Lamoureux November 4, 2019 at 1:15 PM On my way to check it out.

Caren Krutsinger November 4, 2019 at 7:03 AM Wow! I thought this was for your own father, and I am sure now that he considers you a son, not a son-in-law. Richard Lamoureux November 4, 2019 at 7:46 AM We celebrated yesterday. It was a very good gathering.

Jan Allison November 3, 2019 at 2:18 PM what a super tribute to your father in law Rick:-) hugs Jan xx Richard Lamoureux November 4, 2019 at 7:47 AM Thanks Jan. ;0)

Vegter Papyrus October 31, 2019 at 11:05 PM "Your children's children line..." Screams so loud just by its placement. This is worth more than a diamond; love is invaluable, and you're pen shared it for free. Hug 'Him' for me ninety times Brody!! I love this!! Richard Lamoureux November 1, 2019 at 12:19 AM Thank s brother, you gave my spirit a lift with this comment. Blessings Rick.

Hello There October 31, 2019 at 10:40 PM This is very heartwarming and endearing, Richard. A lovely tribute to an important man <3 Happy 90th, William :) Richard Lamoureux November 1, 2019 at 12:27 AM Thanks so much HT. Hugs Rick.

Freddie Robinson Jr. October 31, 2019 at 9:06 AM Beautiful poem, Richard!! Per your usual excellence, of course. Such a creative title too ... "Wonderfull William." An instant fave of bio pure gold. Aurora bright write. Love and more love always. Richard Lamoureux October 31, 2019 at 9:42 AM Thanks for such a lovely comment Freddie. You brought me a ray of sunshine.

Indiana Shaw October 31, 2019 at 7:44 AM Wow, 90, life has rewarded William well, a lovely tribute to your father-in-law, hope to see him here at a 100 years or more . . . ; ) Richard Lamoureux October 31, 2019 at 9:43 AM Us too. He had a stroke this year and has almost fully recovered. Pretty amazing.

John Hamilton October 30, 2019 at 12:31 PM A wonderful dedication to your father in law, mine was a very decent cherished man, was sort of a father replacement, making up somewhat for my fathers deficiencies...let's say. BTW Rick I posted my song We are all broken people hope you like it! Richard Lamoureux October 31, 2019 at 9:58 AM Thanks John,I am on my way to read it.

Kim Rodrigues October 30, 2019 at 11:43 AM Nice tribute, Richard! To look at our parents in old photos...to wonder about their younger selves. Richard Lamoureux October 31, 2019 at 10:11 AM Yes it is cool looking back and wondering.

Andrea Dietrich October 30, 2019 at 11:31 AM this is so charming the way you describe him. "A very happy birthday to him! Richard Lamoureux October 31, 2019 at 10:16 AM Thanks Andrea. ;0)

Anne-Lise Andresen October 30, 2019 at 10:06 AM - A wonderful tribute, Richard ... I hope he and your wife really appreciate this writing - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Richard Lamoureux October 31, 2019 at 10:21 AM Thanks Anne Lise.

Quoth Theraven October 30, 2019 at 9:44 AM Richard, The generation that 'laid the foundation'. A truly deserving dedication to a man's days and loving family. This wonderful write stands all on its own Richard. -Richard Richard Lamoureux October 30, 2019 at 9:55 AM Much appreciated Richard.

Winged Warrior October 30, 2019 at 8:40 AM Your quite the sweet talker or writer...superb dedication my friend...all the best Richard...^WW^ :o) Richard Lamoureux October 30, 2019 at 9:29 AM Thanks My friend.

Roger Horsch October 29, 2019 at 2:26 PM This is such a beautiful poem. Full of love and emotion. A wonderful birthday present. I miss reading you poems. Thanks for touching my heart today Richard. Your friend Roger Richard Lamoureux October 30, 2019 at 8:08 AM Hi Roger, so nice to have you Visit.

Eric Ashford October 28, 2019 at 4:17 PM Old photo's of our progenitors, faces we never knew, yet we feel their D.N.A. through a monochrome image even more than if they were still here to tell their tales. Mystery and nostalgia, and magnet blood-lines draw us to the long paths that led us here. Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2019 at 11:57 PM Thanks Eric, a most interesting response.

Michelle Faulkner October 28, 2019 at 2:04 PM Wow, what a full and complex life - my granddad made it to 90 (he's passed now) I hope your father-in-law liked his tribute! Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2019 at 11:58 PM It’s coming this weekend, I’m looking forward to time with him and the family.

Brenda Chiri October 28, 2019 at 6:08 AM Rick your talent is astounding in so many ways! I love how you can tell a story with ease! Amazed my friend!;) Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2019 at 8:35 AM Thanks Brenda, another touching comment.

Harry Horsman October 28, 2019 at 12:47 AM great dedication, Richard, so close to one's heart, crosses all boundaries, and relationships, glad it's an in law, they seem to miss out, Makes me think of my mother in law... Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2019 at 8:40 AM Thanks Harry, my wife wondered if this story would be experienced through a different cultural lens. I feel the thread of relationship runs through and connects all societies. Your comment warms my heart. Thanks Harry.

Juliet Ligon October 27, 2019 at 9:48 PM This is a beautiful dedication. I'm sure William will love it! Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2019 at 8:43 AM Unfortunately his English is very limited and he is hard of hearing. Still I was moved to put my thoughts on paper.

Jeff Connelly October 27, 2019 at 8:57 PM A kind and loving tribute Richard. He must be quite a fellow. Richard Lamoureux October 27, 2019 at 9:17 PM Thanks Jeff.

Midnight Aurora October 27, 2019 at 5:33 PM A thoughtful and wonderful tribute to what seems to be a most wonderful man. I hope it doesn't bring too many tears to his eyes. Deeply touching. Richard Lamoureux October 27, 2019 at 5:37 PM Thanks, I was just visiting your latest piece. What a pleasant surprise to find you here.