Home » Poems » Richard Lamoureux » Wonderfull William

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.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Johnson Vdev

Date: 11/30/2019 10:18:00 AM

Oh ....that's a respect you have given him on his 90 this birthday. Very descriptive. Great going.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/30/2019 10:27:00 AM

Thanks Johnson. It has also been translated into Cantonese.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 11/5/2019 4:44:00 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
Date: 11/6/2019 9:34:00 AM

He is, thanks Mike.

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 11/4/2019 12:02:00 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
Date: 11/4/2019 1:15:00 PM

On my way to check it out.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 11/4/2019 7:03:00 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
Date: 11/4/2019 7:46:00 AM

We celebrated yesterday. It was a very good gathering.

Jan Allison

Date: 11/3/2019 2:18:00 PM

what a super tribute to your father in law Rick:-) hugs Jan xx

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/4/2019 7:47:00 AM

Thanks Jan. ;0)

Vegter Papyrus

Date: 10/31/2019 11:05:00 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
Date: 11/1/2019 12:19:00 AM

Thank s brother, you gave my spirit a lift with this comment. Blessings Rick.

Hello There

Date: 10/31/2019 10:40:00 PM

This is very heartwarming and endearing, Richard. A lovely tribute to an important man <3 Happy 90th, William :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 11/1/2019 12:27:00 AM

Thanks so much HT. Hugs Rick.

Freddie Robinson Jr.

Date: 10/31/2019 9:06:00 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
Date: 10/31/2019 9:42:00 AM

Thanks for such a lovely comment Freddie. You brought me a ray of sunshine.

Indiana Shaw

Date: 10/31/2019 7:44:00 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
Date: 10/31/2019 9:43:00 AM

Us too. He had a stroke this year and has almost fully recovered. Pretty amazing.

John Hamilton

Date: 10/30/2019 12:31:00 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
Date: 10/31/2019 9:58:00 AM

Thanks John,I am on my way to read it.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 10/30/2019 11:43:00 AM

Nice tribute, Richard! To look at our parents in old photos...to wonder about their younger selves.

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/31/2019 10:11:00 AM

Yes it is cool looking back and wondering.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/30/2019 11:31:00 AM

this is so charming the way you describe him. "A very happy birthday to him!

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/31/2019 10:16:00 AM

Thanks Andrea. ;0)

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/30/2019 10:06:00 AM

- A wonderful tribute, Richard ... I hope he and your wife really appreciate this writing - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/31/2019 10:21:00 AM

Thanks Anne Lise.

Quoth Theraven

Date: 10/30/2019 9:44:00 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
Date: 10/30/2019 9:55:00 AM

Much appreciated Richard.

Winged Warrior

Date: 10/30/2019 8:40:00 AM

Your quite the sweet talker or writer...superb dedication my friend...all the best Richard...^WW^ :o)

Richard Lamoureux
Date: 10/30/2019 9:29:00 AM

Thanks My friend.

Roger Horsch

Date: 10/29/2019 2:26:00 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
Date: 10/30/2019 8:08:00 AM

Hi Roger, so nice to have you Visit.

Eric Ashford

Date: 10/28/2019 4:17:00 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
Date: 10/28/2019 11:57:00 PM

Thanks Eric, a most interesting response.

Michelle Faulkner

Date: 10/28/2019 2:04:00 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
Date: 10/28/2019 11:58:00 PM

It’s coming this weekend, I’m looking forward to time with him and the family.

Brenda Chiri

Date: 10/28/2019 6:08:00 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
Date: 10/28/2019 8:35:00 AM

Thanks Brenda, another touching comment.

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/28/2019 12:47:00 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
Date: 10/28/2019 8:40:00 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.