Your Kindness

I was lost 
Feeling marginalized
Ostracized
Criticized
Demonized

Feeling
Empty
Forgotten
You wrote kind words
You visited me
You message hugged me
You poured healing on me
You bathed me with uplifting words
You fed me
Confidence
Assurance
Acceptance

A visit
A note
And you lifted me up
Said I mattered
Said I had a gift
Said I was missed
Said I brought joy

A kind word
And I came alive
Wanted to thrive
Wanted to be
The one whom you saw in me

You said a kind word
You whose vision is not clouded
With misconceptions 
With what you’ve heard
But rather you speak
Of what you have "seen"
You see the inner me
You see beauty of soul
What a gift to be able to see
Past all the ugliness
To reality

Your kindness
Your kindness
Brought me back
Brings me back
Day after day
To share what I have
For you will read and smile
And that means the world to me

Eileen Manassian

A Poem of Dedication to Richard Lamoureux for constantly encouraging me to write, write, write. 

One of Richard's latest posts: Hello Eileen, where are those new ones you promised?? I feel like a baby bird waiting for his mom to come back to the nest with a morsel. 

Richard, hope this morsel is nourishing. :) Thank you for always believing in me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
April 22, 2020 at 8:39 AM
This is the first of many of your poems I added to my favourites. It’s hard to believe 6 years have passed since you wrote it. Hugs Rick. It was a gift to read it again. ;0)
Bordner Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 8:18 PM
Kindness always endeavors to countenance the beauty and bravery latent or suppressed in people, in a way, effective leadership is a form of kindness. You deserve Richard's kind friendship Eileen, and your poem is a heartfelt acknowledgement of his gift, and equal in kindness. J.A.B.
Mcdaid Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 9:32 AM
truly outstanding pen eileen
Manassian Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 1:57 PM
:) Thanks ever so much, Liam. Hugs
Vaso Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 8:02 PM
All these comments about gifts, and Christmas being so close, well I am just wondering who I shall send my Christmas wish list too? :) hugs to all
Manassian Avatar
November 23, 2014 at 12:20 AM
;) oh Arthur...did you forget Santa's address? :) Hugs to you, my dear.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 7:48 AM
Thanks for this gift Eileen.
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 7:56 AM
You have gifted me true friendship. It's the least I could do. :)
Thirtyseven Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 7:12 AM
A wonderful dedication, to a dedicated friend. Well done to you both.
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 7:56 AM
Thanks, Scott. Happy to have your visit.
Macmillan Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 6:14 AM
Awww, this made me smile. Yes! The friends on soup are real. And the dual nature of poets... sensitive to words (our own and the ones from others) and eruptive (needing to express/expel). Eventually, we find a way to keep writing what we want while sifting through feedback to take what we want of advice and leave the rest all behind. I am so glad that you have found a good friend in Richard. His positive nature and genuine kindness does make Soup a better place, AS YOU DO! Good to see you, hon!!
Vaso Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 8:00 PM
That is so kind of you Cyndi, great to see such kind souls here!!! All of you!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 7:44 AM
Thanks Cyndi.
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 6:17 AM
Hey sweetie, I've missed you. You've always been a sweetie pie, Cyndi. My struggles often bring me down. It's hard for people to understand my ups and downs....my pendulum life....Riding on the highs...dying in the lows. It isn't easy. Richard has been through the highs and lows with me....and still believed I'd make it. Yes, he is a dear precious friend. I appreciate your care and concern...and all that you have taught me. HUGS HUGS HUGS
Callus Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 5:21 AM
Hi Eileen...special friends are not easy to come by; Richard is one of them....he's an honest gentleman about whom I have commented positively before. It is important to be able to confide in somebody when the going gets though...and equally important to receive a helping hand and encouragement. Your avatar is how we want to see you.....smilingly radiant:) hugs // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 7:47 AM
Your comment touches me Paul.
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 6:21 AM
Thank you, Paul. Yes, we are all different, and sometimes we click with some better than we do with others. I suppose that is natural. I know people I've wanted to be friends with who never took a shine to me...and some who have wanted to be friends with me whom I have a problem trusting. I'm glad to have loyal friends. You know my estimation of you, Paul. I wish I saw more of you around...but when you do visit, I'm very happy. Hugs
A. Sharma Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 3:31 AM
Eileen so Gud to see u back on soup !Such a fantastic write! Thnx to Richard for being there n getting u back for all of us! Keep writing yaar u r really gifted my friend!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 7:47 AM
My pleasure Upma.
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 6:19 AM
Dr Upma....many have cared and sent me notes. I am thankful to all my dear and good friends here. Richard's consistency has been very appreciated. It's easy to forget someone who doesn't have poem gifts to offer....to read previous poems and to leave helpful notes of encouragement is what makes a friendship real for me. Thank you for your kindness and love. Yaar....I LOVE that word. Yes, you are a dear sweet precious Yaar! :)
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:21 AM
Wow! What a great way to conclude my day. I am beaming! A big super hug to you Eileen. It is easy seeing goodness in you as well as enormous talent. I will be saving this precious gift.
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:34 AM
I wish people could see me through your eyes, Richard. It's always amazed me how some people can see so much good in a person and others see only the flaws. I guess I can be that way too. It's just a mystery.
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:26 AM
:) Thanks ever so much, Richard. :) All I wrote is straight from the heart. You never gave up on me. I'll never forget that.
Vaso Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 9:51 PM
I forgot to give this an A7, and say, of course Richard is a very kind person, hes CANADIAN after all!!!!! :) Hope I made you both smile!!!!
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:29 AM
You did, my dear. As to the Canadian bit, well well.... that just makes it extra special, eh? ;)
Vaso Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 9:49 PM
This was such a beautiful poem until I found out it WAS NOT about me me me!!!!! You are such a good poet, you inspire me, but if this poem is not about me I can tell you this, you could not pick a finer, kinder more generous person than Richard. Being a great poet is one thing, being a great person on top of that, is well a whole other level!!!
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:29 AM
Arthur, you are a sweet man....and such a tease! ;) A nice combination. I appreciate your visits, you know that. :) I was in a month of deep depression. Richard made sure he visited me...almost daily... to encourage me...I am grateful.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:22 AM
This comment adds to my enjoyment. Thanks Arthur.;0)
Jones Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 7:00 PM
Hello my sweet...guess you were away while I've been away...you are lucky to have such friends to encourage you and give you strength...glad you are better....love MD
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:32 AM
Thanks, MD. Yes...I was away for almost a month. Really down...I'm better now. Hope all is well with you. Glad you're back. You are one of those special people. Hugs coming your way!
Smith Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 1:59 PM
I knew you were talking about Richard.... He is so kind and thoughtful...A true friend....he is right you know :) ....hugs Tim
Manassian Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 3:08 PM
Thanks, Tim. He has helped me a great deal. Checking to make sure I'm ok. At one point, when I couldn't write....he even send me a few lines and told me to build on that so I could get going. :) That means a great deal to me. Thank you for the visit. Hugs
Trifiatis Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Richard is a great man! He is a sea of beautiful, caring, human feelings and if he has seen these qualities in you then this qualities are there for you to develop! I know, Richard is right to say beautiful things about you for you are a beautiful human being that deserves more and can do more! Plug your ears to the cries of criticism and listen only to the whispers of love that your friends utter! Great tribute to Richard but great tribute to your magnanimity as well, dearest Eileen! A seven!
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:24 AM
I thank you Demetrios, I also know that you too appreciate our friend Eileen.
Manassian Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 11:11 AM
My dear poet, you have been one to encourage me consistently. That is why I called in to Drake's show and read the poem that I had written for you, for you are very very dear to my heart. There are some here in this place whose friendship is a means of sustenance for me. You are one. I miss you when you are away...and I'm happy when you are here. Thank you for being such a wonderful person in my life. Yes, Richard is all that you say. It takes a great man to recognize the qualities of another. Filakia...me agapi
Chircop Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 10:52 AM
A beautiful tribute from a special souoer to another special souper Richard.Ahh Eileen the soup misses one of the best spices without you,and Richard is one of a kind-Hugs Charma B-)
Manassian Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:33 AM
What better than a group hug, Richard! ;) Our collective friendship has stood the test of time...not an easy thing in this world that we live in.
Lamoureux Avatar
November 22, 2014 at 1:26 AM
I'm starting to tear up! Group Hug!
Manassian Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 3:07 PM
And I you, my sweet! :) Hugs
Chircop Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 11:29 AM
I know you have that kind of love is what i mean..and its contagious xx
Chircop Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 11:28 AM
I know you have that Eileen and am lucky to have you as a friend xxx
Manassian Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 10:57 AM
On the other hand, Once my loyalty is won...I can be a very caring and loving friend. I have students come to my office to share their tears with me. I have them come up and hug me when they need comfort. I have them pass my window while I'm teaching and blow me kisses. These are people who see me in real life. One guy who used to work in the communication department said that whenever he asks the students who their favorite teacher is, my name comes up! Love means unconditional love....
Manassian Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 10:55 AM
Thank you, my sweet! You've always been good to me too, Charma. My sensitivity and my depression doesn't always make me an easy person to get along with....I know that. It takes special friends to be able to understand me and to love me despite it all. Thank you for being such a friend. Sending you lots of hugs! I hope Richard likes it!
Thajudeen Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 10:50 AM
A new chapter on a motivator.Thanks for sharing.Regards. -Safa
Manassian Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Yes, Richard has been a motivator. He encouraged me to join contests, he has been there for me through the highs and lows. I value his friendship dearly. Thank you for your post, Muhammad.
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